Evaluation of Lumbar Lordosis and Hip Extensor Strength in Postpartum Woman with Pelvic Girdle Pain - A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a musculoskeletal pain that arises between the posterior iliac crest and gluteal fold, at the sacroiliac joint and also radiates posteriorly in the thigh. PGP give rise to very intense pain and disability than Low Back Ache (LBA). It is a common condition during pregnancy and post-delivery. Joint laxity increases pelvic rotation and lumbar lordosis which results in adaptive hip extensor muscle weakness. Hence the studies focus on identifying the lumbar lordosis and hip extensor strength of PGP. Aim of the Study: To identify the association between lumbar lordosis and PGP and to identify the association between hip extensor strength and PGP among post-partum women. Material and Methodology: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 80 postpartum women were assessed based on the diagnostic criteria the women were divided into two groups. Group A consists of women with PGP and group B consists of women without PGP. Both groups were assessed for lumbar lordosis using flexicurve and hip extensor strength using a manual muscle tester. Data collected was analyzed using. Outcome Measure: Flexicurve to assess lumbar lordosis. Manual muscle tester to assess hip extensor strength. Result: The study showed that the mean lumbar lordosis was significantly higher in women with PGP than in women without PGP, p = 0.001. There was a 15.46° ± 6.91° higher angle observed in persons who had pelvic girdle pain compared to those who did not have pelvic girdle pain. The mean hip extensor strength for group ‘A’ (average of right and left side) was 12.74 ± 0.73kg, whereas it was significantly higher in group ‘B’. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a positive association between lumbar lordosis and hip extensor weakness in pelvic girdle pain.