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Background/Aims The changes in body weight, body shape and hormones of pregnant women alter the posture and gait pattern of these individuals compared to non-pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on selected gait parameters by evaluating footprints at the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and comparing with apparently healthy, non-pregnant women. Methods A total of 40 consenting women (20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant age-matched women) aged 22–35 years old (mean 28.25±0.68 years) participated in this study. Footprints were obtained from each participant and selected gait parameters were computed from the footprints. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were used to compare the variables at PResults There was a significant difference in the gait parameters measured between the pregnant and non-pregnant women: gait velocity (P=0.001), cadence (P=0.001), right foot angle (P=0.001), left foot angle (P=0.002), base of support (P=0.001), right step length (P=0.001), left step length (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the gait parameters measured between the pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. Conclusions Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in most gait variables compared to non-pregnant women, although no significant change was observed between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The inclusion of gait training during antenatal care may help reduce the effect on the musculoskeletal system.

Background: The low back is susceptible to injury (pain) because it supports most of the body weight. Prolonged sitting and being sedentary are some of the risk factors to developing low back pain (LBP). This study was designed to determine and compare the prevalence of LBP in Commercial Motor Drivers (CMD) and Private Automobile Drivers (PAD). Materials and Method: Five hundred males (250-CMD and 250-PAD) participated in the survey. The participants were made to complete a 33-item closed ended questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on the respondents' biodata, driving, back pain and the effects of driving on the low back (LB). The questionnaire was selfadministered. Results: The results showed that LBP was a major problem among these groups ofdrivers. The 12-month prevalences of LBP among the CMD and PAD were 96% and 88% respectively. Twelve-month prevalence of LBP was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the CMD. Sixty four percent and 42% of the CMD and PAD attributed the cause of their back pain to the length of time spent sitting when driving. Conclusion: Low back pain was a major problem among the respondents; but was experienced more among CMD. The higher prevalence of LBP in CMD was attributed to the length of time spent sitting when driving. KEY WORDS: Prevalence, low back pain, Commercial Motor Drivers, Private Automobile Drivers.