Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical discomforts, including neck and shoulder pain. The management of these discomforts through non-pharmacological methods, particularly exercise, has gained attention due to its potential benefits for both maternal and fetal health. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured antenatal exercise program in reducing the severity of neck and shoulder pain, improving functional limitations, and enhancing the quality of life among pregnant women. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at the Jinnah College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sohail University, Karachi, from June to December 2023. A total of 220 pregnant women between 14 to 30 weeks of gestation were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=110) or a control group (n=110). The intervention group participated in a structured antenatal exercise program designed by certified physiotherapists, which included stretching, strengthening, and relaxation exercises targeting the neck and shoulder muscles. The control group received standard prenatal care. Data on pain severity, functional limitations, and quality of life were collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with p-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores from a baseline of 6.0 to 3.0 post-intervention, compared to the control group, which saw a decrease from 6.0 to 5.0 (p<0.01). Functional limitations were also significantly reduced in the intervention group, from 70% at baseline to 20% post-intervention, whereas the control group showed a reduction from 70% to 60% (p<0.01). Positive feedback regarding pain relief, mobility, and empowerment was reported by participants in the intervention group. Conclusion: The structured antenatal exercise program was effective in significantly reducing neck and shoulder pain and improving functional limitations among pregnant women. These findings suggest that antenatal exercise programs can be a valuable component of prenatal care, enhancing the overall well-being of pregnant women.
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