Female runners reduce proximal segment motion and alter stride dynamics postpartum

Biomechanical changes in gait as a result of pregnancy have been studied in walking but not running. Thus, the objective of this pilot study was to examine changes in running mechanics, particularly at the pelvis and trunk, between pre- and post-pregnancy as well as changes in running habits. At 6-weeks postpartum, runners exhibited decreased trunk and pelvis transverse rotation, reduced trunk and hip sagittal plane motion, and altered spatiotemporal characteristics. Changes observed postpartum compared to pre- or early pregnancy may be a protective response against the increased joint laxity, decreased gait stability, or compromised neuromuscular function that may develop during the gestation period and/or childbirth.