title: New approaches for assessing childbirth positions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An overview of labor based only on epidemiological data cannot identify or explain the mechanisms involved in childbirth. Data about the position that women should take in giving birth are discordant. None of the studies of birth positions adequately define or describe them or their biomechanical impact (pelvic orientation, position of the back). The measurement of the effect of one position relative to that of another requires precise definitions of each position and of their maternal biomechanical consequences, as well as safe measurement methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have developed a system to analyze the position of labor by quantifying the posture of the woman's body parts (including thighs, trunk, and pelvis), using an optoelectronic motion capture device (Vicon™, Oxford Metrics) widely used in human movement analysis and a system for measuring the lumbar curve (Epionics spine system). A specific body model has also been created to conduct this biomechanical analysis, which is based on external markers. With this methodology and model, it should be possible to define: (1) the hip joint angles (flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation); (2) the ante/retroversion of the pelvis; (3) the lumbar curve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This methodology could become a reference for assessing delivery postures, one that makes it possible to describe the relation between the postures used in the delivery room and their impact on the pelvis and the spine in an integrated and comprehensive model.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  No. Eudract 2013-A01203-42.
authors.affiliation: Department of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive medicine, university hospital of Poitiers, university of Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021 Poitiers, France; Institut PPRIME UP3346 CNRS-Université de Poiters-ENSMA, Team Robotics, Biomechanics Sport and Health, 86360 Chasseneuil du Poitou-Futuroscope, France. Electronic address: david.desseauve@univ-poitiers.fr.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Desseauve
authors.affiliation: Department of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive medicine, university hospital of Poitiers, university of Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021 Poitiers, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pierre
authors.affiliation: Department of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive medicine, university hospital of Poitiers, university of Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, BP 577, 86021 Poitiers, France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gachon
authors.affiliation: Institut PPRIME UP3346 CNRS-Université de Poiters-ENSMA, Team Robotics, Biomechanics Sport and Health, 86360 Chasseneuil du Poitou-Futuroscope, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Decatoire
authors.affiliation: Institut PPRIME UP3346 CNRS-Université de Poiters-ENSMA, Team Robotics, Biomechanics Sport and Health, 86360 Chasseneuil du Poitou-Futuroscope, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lacouture
authors.affiliation: Institut PPRIME UP3346 CNRS-Université de Poiters-ENSMA, Team Robotics, Biomechanics Sport and Health, 86360 Chasseneuil du Poitou-Futuroscope, France.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fradet
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D036801:Parturition / Q000502:physiology*; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012107:Research Design; D012399:Rotation
keywords: Assessment; Biomechanics; Delivery; Lumbar curve; Motion capture; Obstetrical; Pelvis; Position