Effects of Exercise on Lumbopelvic Pain During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: At least 50% of women experience lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Physical activity has moderate health benefits and no adverse outcomes for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Physically active pregnant women have lower pain intensities than sedentary women. It is not clear whether common exercise types are equally beneficial for the management of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effect of exercise on reducing lumbopelvic pain intensity in pregnant women. Study Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Seven databases (CINAHL, Medline, ScienceDirect, SportDiscus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) were searched in October 2020 and again in February 2022. Studies investigating the effect of exercise on low back or pelvic pain in pregnant women were included, with no limitation on publication date. Primary data collected for quantitative analysis included pain intensity. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using individual study effect sizes (ES) using a random-effects model. Results: Initial search yielded 1,771 results and 21 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. One article utilized 2 intervention groups and was counted as separate studies. Meta-analysis on 22 studies yielded a statistically significant and large ES, indicating exercise intervention during pregnancy results in significantly lower pain reports compared with usual prenatal care (overall ES = 2.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.35-2.78; P < .001). Conclusion: Exercise is beneficial in the management of lumbopelvic pain in pregnant women.