The relationship between the daily step counts and low back pain during pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the change of daily step counts and low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Pregnant women at less than eight weeks of gestation (WG) were recruited. Daily step counts were measured with a pedometer. To assess LBP, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was recorded. Thirty-six individuals were divided into the LBP and non-LBP groups. The effect of step counts on LBP between the two groups was analyzed. Results: At 16–19 WG, step counts were not considerably changed in the non-LBP group but were significantly increased in the LBP group. At 24–27 and 32–35 WG, step counts were increased in the non-LBP group but were significantly decreased in the LBP group. Conclusions: Acute increase of daily step counts in early pregnancy is a risk for LBP, and gradual increases of step counts after mid-pregnancy is recommended for women.