The Effect of Clinical Exercise Training on Plantar Pressure, the Subtalar Joint, and the Gait Cycle in Pregnant Women: Randomized Clinical Trial

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study aims to examine the effects of clinical exercise training on foot plantar pressure, the subtalar joint, and the gait cycle during pregnancy. <b>Methods</b>: The study was planned as a randomized, controlled, and single-blind study. Participants' demographic information, obstetric evaluation, physical activity level, fall history, and pain evaluation were recorded. Foot plantar pressure, the subtalar joint, and the gait cycle were measured through pedobarography at Gait Laboratory. The control group was recommended walking. Clinical exercise training was given to the study group 2 days a week for eight weeks. Evaluations were made on day 0 and the day corresponding to the end of week 8. <b>Results</b>: The study was completed with 50 people in the study group (age: 29.7 ± 3.8 years) and 51 in the control group (age: 29.1 ± 6.1 years). As a result of the parametric and non-parametric tests performed before and after the exercise, it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in weight, BMI, pain score, static plantar pressure, dynamic plantar pressure, subtalar joint flexibility, duration of the walking period, and multistep walking speed (<i>p</i> < 0.01). The two groups had a significant difference only in the dominant midfoot plantar pressure (<i>p</i> > 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: According to our research, weight control and pain relief are observed in women who engage in clinical exercise in the second trimester of pregnancy; plantar pressure and subtalar joint flexibility are preserved, the walking period does not increase, and the multistep walking speed can be maintained after eight weeks.