BMC Women's Health · Mar 25, 2026

Obstetric and urogynecological history are associated with lower limb strength and physical performance in middle-age and older women: a community-based cross-sectional study

By de Albuquerque Cacique New York BS, Mâcedo SGGF, Dos Santos Aguiar Gonçalves RS et al.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of urogynecological and obstetric history with lower limb physical performance and knee flexion/extension strength in middle-aged and older women. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 581 middle-aged and older women receiving care at a primary health service were included in this study. Lower limb physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and isometric knee flexion and extension strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Data were collected on gynecological and obstetric history, socioeconomics, demographics, physical health, anthropometrics, and physical activity levels. RESULTS: Number of deliveries was inversely associated with isometric knee extension strength (β = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.60 to -0.20; p = 0.009) and SPPB scores (β = -0.08; 95% CI = -0.13 to -0.03; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a higher number of deliveries is associated with poorer physical function among middle-aged and older women. Preventive and rehabilitative strategies targeting women with a history of multiple deliveries may help address functional limitations in this population.

doi.org/10.1186/s12905-026-04417-yOpen accessPubMed 41882672Populations