Expectant mothers sought for ongoing study to improve prenatal care, reduce maternal death, develop novel remote sensing equipment

October 24, 2024
URI kinesiology Assistant Professor Ryan Chapman and student Meghan Whelan attach sensors to the legs of a volunteer expectant mother in the advanced Biomechanics and Wearables Laboratory on the Kingston campus.
URI kinesiology Assistant Professor Ryan Chapman and student Meghan Whelan attach sensors to the legs of a volunteer expectant mother in the advanced Biomechanics and Wearables Laboratory on the Kingston campus.

Participants tout study on biomechanics during pregnancy, shedding light on connections between pelvic, lower extremity changes, and postpartum outcomes

University of Rhode Island researchers are seeking volunteers among expectant mothers to take part in a groundbreaking study on biomechanics during pregnancy. The study is attempting to improve labor and delivery outcomes, and potentially contribute to reducing the persistently high maternal mortality rates in the United States.

URI kinesiology Assistant Professor Ryan Chapman is aiming to better understand the biomechanics leading up to the birthing process and its implications for mothers and newborns. He and his team of undergraduate and graduate student researchers are studying how the biomechanics of the pelvis and lower extremities change in preparation for labor and delivery. More critically, Chapman and his team are focused on understanding what the implications for the mother and baby may be if those biomechanics don’t adapt to prepare for delivery.

“We know that the pelvis bony anatomy needs to change so the fetus can safely descend down the birth canal,” said Chapman, whose study was inspired by his own son’s challenging birth. “If the pelvis does not change, there is a real risk for prolonged labor. And one of the biggest concerns with prolonged labor is hemorrhaging, which is strongly linked with maternal mortality.”

Chapman, working with a team of graduate and undergraduate student researchers, began in September 2023 monitoring five women throughout the course of their pregnancies to learn how lower extremity biomechanics evolve throughout pregnancy. The team follows up during the postpartum period to learn about the outcomes of the labor and delivery process, providing insights into the potential connection between these biomechanical variations and how the mother and newborn are doing after birth.

Study participants visit URI’s Biomechanics and Wearables Laboratory each trimester and again postpartum. Researchers take measurements of their mobility and flexibility, apply motion tracking sensors to their lower body, and use cameras and high-precision motion capture software to track their movements.

“Pregnancy and childbirth are extremely challenging, exciting, and potentially scary. I saw the study as an opportunity to potentially make it easier or better for women in the future,” one study participant said of the experience. “They recorded me doing things like standing up, sitting down, moving my legs in different directions, going up and down stairs. I thought it was fascinating to see how different my mobility was throughout pregnancy. Toward the end, even the most simple movements were strenuous.”

A second participant in the study decided to volunteer in part to learn more about her own body and help future mothers. A healthcare provider involved in prenatal care herself, she indicated her pregnancy knowledge has expanded through participating in the study.

“I was aware of limited mobility in my ankles but became more aware of how limited my hip mobility is after initial testing,” she said, noting she’s hopeful the study will help with her labor and delivery.

The team is seeking additional candidates to help shed light on the relationship between changes in pelvic and lower extremity biomechanics during pregnancy, and both maternal and newborn outcomes. Any expectant mother in the community is welcome to take part in the study, which includes visits to the advanced kinesiology laboratories in Independence Square, on the edge of the Kingston Campus.

“I would definitely recommend other expectant mothers take part,” one participant said. “If this study can improve what new mothers go through even a little bit, it’s worth it.”

Study participants gain valuable knowledge about biomechanical changes in their lower bodies, which are monitored throughout the pregnancy with state-of-the-art techniques, including an optical motion capture system, wearable motion sensors, and electromyography (EMG) to examine lower extremity and pelvic motion during activities like walking, squatting and climbing stairs. By capturing precise information about joint movement and muscle activity, the team aims to develop a cost-effective and non-invasive technology capable of remotely monitoring pregnant individuals from their own homes. This innovative monitoring system could play a pivotal role in identifying those in need of additional support and intervention during labor and delivery, while also providing peace of mind to individuals with typical biomechanical changes.

“We are learning a great deal about what changes biomechanically during pregnancy, but there’s so much more we can learn,” Chapman said. “Are differences in walking, for example, or different levels of lower back pain, connected to poor or positive outcomes? And can we monitor that and know ahead of time that early interventions are needed? This study has the possibility to really influence maternal care and help expectant mothers around the world.”

Any expectant mothers interested in taking part in the study are urged to contact Chapman at rmchapman@uri.edu or 401-874-7845.