Article

Morning sickness typically is attributed to hormonal changes in pregnancy. We
asked whether morning sickness is associated with changes in standing postural
equilibrium, as occurs in research on visually induced motion sickness.
Twenty-one pregnant women (mean age=30 years, mean height=163cm; mean
weight=63kg) were tested during the first trimester. Laboratory-based balance
measures were collected, along with perceived postural stability, the presence of
morning sickness, and the severity of subjective symptoms. We varied the distance
between the feet and the visual task performed during stance. Participants were
classified as either experiencing (Sick, n=12) or not experiencing (Well, n=9)
morning sickness. Perceived balance stability was lower for Sick than for Well
women. The positional variability of sway was reduced for the Sick group,
relative to the Well group. Positional variability decreased with wider stance
width, and was reduced during performance of a more demanding visual task. Stance
width and visual task also influenced the temporal dynamics of sway. Effects of
stance width and visual task on postural sway were similar to effects in
non-pregnant adults, suggesting that sensitive tuning of posture is maintained
during the first trimester. The findings suggest that women with morning sickness
may attempt to stabilize their bodies by reducing overall body sway. It may be
useful to recommend that women adopt wider stance early in pregnancy.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS