The Efficacy of Treatment Program Focusing on Specific Stabilizing Exercises in Antenatal Period for Treatment of Pregnancy Related to Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: This study is designed to evaluate whether the efficacy of treatment program focusing on Specific Stabilizing Exercises in antenatal period for treatment of pregnancy related to low back and pelvic girdle pain reduces pain and improves functional status.

Study design: Experimental study, Randomized Control Trial.

Method: 40 pregnant women during their antenatal period were recruited into two groups. Experimental Group (n=20) received Physical Therapy with Specific Stabilizing Exercises which included Lumbar stabilization exercises along with clinical exercises as Pelvic floor muscle exercises, Stretching exercises for tight muscles of upper& lower limb, Active ROM exercises ( Cervical spine, upper and lower limb), Strengthening exercises for weak muscles, Ordinary physical activities , Relaxation exercises and Ergonomic advice. Control Group (n=20) received clinical exercises alone which included Pelvic floor muscle exercises, Stretching exercises for tight muscles of upper& lower limb, Active ROM exercises ( Cervical spine, upper and lower limb), Strengthening exercises for weak muscles, Ordinary physical activites , Relaxation exercises and Ergonomic advice with detailed evaluation including NPRS scores and Modified ODI scores were taken at baseline as well as after 4 week of treatment.

Results: Both the groups showed clinically and statistically significant improvement in NPRS scores and Modified ODI scores at the end of 4-weeks of treatment session. NPRS scores had improved by 48% in experimental group and 21% in control group. Modified ODI scores had improved 55% in experimental group and 15% in control group at the end of 4-weeks of treatment session in both the groups.

Conclusion: There was significant improvement in both the groups; however the Physical Therapy with Specific Stabilizing Exercises group was more effective in reducing pain and improving functional status for patients with Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic girdle pain in antenatal period as compared to Physical Therapy without Specific Stabilizing Exercises group.