P-69 The effect of therapeutic exercises on pregnancy-related lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives (Aim) To investigate the effect of a supervised, individualised, structured, therapeutic exercise programme on the occurrence and severity of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. Methods Forty-five pregnant women were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG; N = 20; mean age 32.8 ± 3.6;) and a control group (CG; N = 22; mean age 32.2 ± 4.9). Exercise interventions consisted of aerobic and resistance exercises performed twice per week from the date of inclusion into the study until the end of pregnancy, along with at least 30 minutes of brisk daily walks. Main outcomes were results of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ). The CG received only standard antenatal care. Results A total of 419 exercise sessions were performed during the trial, with 20.95 ± 7.56 sessions on average per subject. Adherence to protocol was 83.70%. Results showed a significant difference in PGQ scores both in the 30th week of pregnancy (P = 0.05, d = −0.64) and 36th week of pregnancy (P = 0.005, d = −0.85) in favour of the EG. NRS and RMDQ scores were significantly different in 36th week of pregnancy (P = 0.017, d = −0.80; P > 0.001, d = −0.90, respectively), also in favour of the EG. Conclusions The exercise programme had a beneficial effect on the severity of lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy, reducing the intensity of pain as well as the level of disability experienced as a result.