Objective: To assess postural balance in females with pregnancies complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
Methods: In this observational study, postural balance during the first trimester was measured using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) in 41 pregnant females (20 females with pregnancies complicated by HG and 21 healthy controls). The overall stability index (OA), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) and fall risk test (FRT) scores were obtained from the mean scores of three trials on the BSS. The four measurements obtained from the BBS (OA, APSI, MLSI and FRT) were compared between healthy pregnant females and those with pregnancies complicated by HG (HG group).
Results: The mean OA and APSI scores were significantly higher in the HG group compared to healthy pregnant controls (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the MLSI between the two groups (p > 0.05). The FRT scores of HG patients were higher than healthy pregnant females (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: Pregnant females with HG have poor postural stability/balance and high fall risk test scores. HG causes decreased postural equilibrium in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Keywords: Fall; hyperemesis gravidarum; postural balance; pregnancy; stability.