Effect of Postural Correction Exercises and Pelvic Tilt Exercises on Pain, ROM and Function in Pregnant Females with Lower Back Pain

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The study aimed to evaluate the effects of postural correction exercises and pelvic tilt exercises on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and functional abilities in pregnant women with lower back pain. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Family Welfare Hospital and Ali Clinic Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 24 pregnant women with lower back pain, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were allocated into two equal groups. Group 1 (Postural Correction Exercises) and Group 2 (Pelvic Tilt Exercises). Each group consisted of 12 participants. Both groups underwent a comprehensive pre-intervention assessment to establish baseline measurements using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometry for ROM, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional abilities. The data was normally distributed between groups, necessitating the use of the One-way ANOVA test, which revealed significant improvements in both groups (p < 0.001). One-way ANOVA showed significant decreases in VAS and ODI scores and significant increases in trunk flexion and extension ROM in both groups (p = 0.001). The effect size for changes in pain was moderate (Cohen d = 0.78), and for functional disability, it was large (Cohen d = 0.85), favoring Group 2. Both postural correction and pelvic tilt exercises are effective for managing lower back pain in pregnant women, improving pain levels, ROM, and functional abilities. Pelvic tilt exercises demonstrated a more pronounced impact on functional disability improvements. These findings support the inclusion of these exercise regimens in prenatal care.