Abstract
BackgroundAlthough working activities are associated with several pregnancy outcomes, there is scarce information regarding the association between working activities and low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate whether leisure-time and work-related physical activities during pregnancy are associated with LBP.MethodsData from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort study were used. Demographic, socioeconomic, gestational, leisure-time (prior to and during pregnancy) and work-related (days of work, hours of work, standing and heavy lifting) physical activity data were collected at birth. LPB was assessed in the 12-month follow-up period.ResultsLeisure-time physical activity either prior to and during pregnancy was not associated with LBP. Working during pregnancy, days of work and standing position at work were not associated with self-reported LBP during pregnancy. However, working more than 8 h per day and always lifting heavy objects at work increased the odds ratio for LBP (OR 1.30 95%CI: 1.04; 1.63; and OR: 1.39 95%CI 1.08; 1.81, respectively). In addition, women who had lifted heavy objects often/always, reported an increase in pain intensity.ConclusionWorking during pregnancy and days worked per week were not related to experiencing LBP. However, women who worked more than 8 h per day, as well as women who lifted heavy objects at work on a regular basis, were more likely to experience pregnancy-related LBP.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is a disabling condition with a global prevalence of approximately 40% [1]
Women who worked more than 8 h per day, as well as women who had to lift heavy items frequently at work experienced low back pain (LBP), as well as reported increased pain levels during pregnancy
No relationship was observed between LBP during pregnancy and leisure-time physical activity, both pre and during pregnancy
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is a disabling condition with a global prevalence of approximately 40% [1]. Higher levels of occupational physical activity increase the risk of absence due to sickness by 84%, whilst leisure-time physical activity decreases the risk by 23% [3]. This contrasting effect of leisure-time and occupational activity is observed in LBP. Work activity increases the risk of LBP by 27% and 24% in women and men, respectively, whilst leisure-time physical activity decreases the risk in general population by 16% [4, 5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
