Does Load Position on the Trunk Affect Cardiopulmonary Responses of the Bearer during Simulated Front and Back Infant Carrying Methods?

Background: The position of the infant on the trunk during back and front infant carrying methods (ICMs) may be a potential factor of maternal physiological changes. Related information is necessary for the establishment of guiding principles for infant carrying tasks. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses to infant‑load positions on the trunk during simulated back and front ICMs. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑three nulliparous females completed four trials while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant, being carried in four trunk positions (upper back, lower back, upper front, and lower front). Cardiopulmonary indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate) and rating of perceived exertion were assessed pre‑ and post‑trials. Results: All the cardiopulmonary indices did not change significantly (P > 0.05) as the infant load moved from upper to lower trunk positions during the back and front ICMs. However, marginal differences were observed. Participants perceived the lower back and upper front ICMs as less exerting than the upper back and lower front ICMs. Conclusions: Infant‑load position on the trunk is not an important factor in the cardiopulmonary responses to back and front infant carrying tasks, although the lower back and upper front ICMs were perceived to be more comfortable. Keywords: Back, cardiopulmonary indices, front, infant carrying, infant‑load positions, perceived exertio

Relationship between physical activity level and flexibility profile of Nigerian postpartum women

Flexibility is an essential component of musculoskeletal health and is usually associated with physical activity levels. Pregnancy and its aftermath may influence physical activity participation and musculoskeletal flexibility in women, which warrants this study. Thus, this study aimed to assess the physical activity level and musculoskeletal flexibility profile of Nigerian Postpartum women. In this cross-sectional study, 462 postpartum women were conveniently sampled from Healthcare Facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Physical Activity was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire while flexibility profile was assessed using modified sit-and-reach (for the lower back and limb components), total body rotation (for trunk component) and shoulder rotation tests (for upper limb components). Relevant inferential statistics were used to compare variables between the two groups of women. The results showed that 42.0% of the women were fairly flexible and 51.1% of them had high Physical Activity level. Majority (77.6%) of their daily physical activities were from work. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between their physical activity levels and flexibility profile of the participants (p = 0.066). The postpartum physical activity level of the respondents is not a determinant of their musculoskeletal flexibility. Recommendation of structured physical exercises, particularly flexibility trainings to postpartum women in Nigeria is necessary for optimum maintenance of their general postpartum and musculoskeletal health