Inactivity: symptoms associated with gastrocnemius muscle disuse during pregnancy.
This longitudinal study assessed change in gastrocnemius muscle metabolism across antepartum bed rest and recovery during the first 6 weeks postpartum as well as symptoms during recovery. The convenience sample consisted of 65 pregnant women, hospitalized on bed rest for a mean of 24.8 days (range 5-70 days). A dual wavelength hemoglobin/ myoglobin spectrophotometer and ergometer assessed muscle reoxygenation times after plantar flexion exercise from hospital admission through 6 weeks postpartum. The Postpartum Symptom Checklist assessed symptoms of muscle deconditioning. The time for gastrocnemius muscle reoxygenation after exercise significantly increased across antepartum bed rest (t = -2.1, P <.05) and significantly decreased during the 6-week postpartum period (t = 1.83, P <.05). Women who were on bed rest prior to hospital admission had significantly higher reoxygenation scores upon enrollment (t = -8.6, P <.05). Symptoms of postpartum muscle soreness, deconditioning, and difficulty with mobility were reported. Postpartum assessment and rehabilitation are needed to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term injury.
Maloni
Judith A
JA
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4904, USA. jam44@po.cwru.edu
Schneider
Barbara St Pierre
BS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy
D010100:Oxygen