Abstract
Aims: To investigate the effect of specific lumbar stabilizing exercises on relieving antenatal low back pain. Study design: A randomized clinical controlled trial. Place and Duration of study: Department of Obstetrics (antenatal clinic), Kafelsheikh general hospital - Kafelsheikh, between October 2014 and January 2015. Methodology: Twenty pregnant women (age 20-25 years) at 20-24 weeks gestation, clinically diagnosed with low back pain and divided into 2 equal groups (A&B). Patients in group A were treated by lumbar stabilizing exercises for 12 weeks, patients in group B without any treatment. Low back pain intensity and spine flexibility were measured by mean of a 100-mm horizontal visual analogue scale and side bending test before and after the treatment program. Results: Patients in group A showed significant decrease in low back pain intensity (P=0.01) and spine flexibility (P=0.01), while in group B there were significant increase in low back pain intensity (P=0.01) without difference in spine flexibility (Right and Left sides) (P=0.83 and 0.6) at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in low back pain intensity (P=0.82) and spine flexibility (Right and Left sides) (P=0.76 and 0.69) at the beginning of the study. But there were highly significant differences in low back pain intensity (P=0.001) and spine flexibility (Right and Left sides)(P=0.01) at the end of the study between both groups, Conclusion: lumbar stabilizing exercises decrease the pain intensity and increase the lumbar range of motion.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most commonly reported complaints among pregnant women, varying from 50% to 70% based on previous studies [1]
The inclusion criteria were maternal age between 20 and 25 years, primigravid, gestational age between 20 and 24 weeks, housewives, high school graduated, body mass index (BMI) would not exceed 30 kg/m2, low back pain experienced anywhere from T12 to the gluteal fold with or without radiation to the knee that started during the current pregnancy, and any degree of pain
Group (B): 10 participants were included in this group; the mean age and BMI were (21.9±1.8) years and (26.9±2.8) Kg/m2.There was no significant difference (P= 0.83 and 0.69) between both groups (A&B) regarding their ages and BMI respectively
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most commonly reported complaints among pregnant women, varying from 50% to 70% based on previous studies [1]. Ho et al [10,11]summarized previous studies and advised on current low back pain relief strategies including brief rest, low-heeled shoes, avoiding certain physical activities, heat application, pain medication, exercises(core muscle strength, water gymnastics, yoga), education and ergonomic advice, acupuncture, massage, relaxation, and chiropractise treatment. Amongst these preventive and therapeutic interventions, exercises may be the most beneficial both to the mother as well as the fetus.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
