Lumbopelvic Pain Research Articles

Influence of kinesiophobia with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain at late pregnancy on postpartum depressive symptoms.

To investigate whether kinesiophobia with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain at late pregnancy influenced depressive symptoms at 1 month after delivery. Final participants were 43 pregnant women who experienced pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain at late pregnancy and completed self-reported questionnaires at late pregnancy and 1 month after delivery. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was used to evaluate kinesiophobia, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. We divided participants into two groups (depression and no-depression) using the score of the Self-Rating Depression Scale at 1 month after delivery. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis identified kinesiophobia at late pregnancy as an independent predictor of depression at 1 month after delivery. In univariate analysis, kinesiophobia at late pregnancy was significantly higher in the depression group than in the no-depression group (P= .033). In multiple logistic regression analysis, kinesiophobia at late pregnancy were significantly associated with depression at 1 month after delivery even after adjusting for confounding factors (Odds Ratio, 1.25; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.03-1.52). Results found that kinesiophobia at late pregnancy negatively influenced depressive symptoms at 1 month after delivery, suggesting that approaches to treat kinesiophobia at late pregnancymight reduce the risk of onset of postpartum depressive symptoms.

Motor Control Exercise Training for Pregnant Women With Lumbopelvic Pain

Motor Control Exercise Training for Pregnant Women With Lumbopelvic Pain

Comparison of the Effect of Different Physical Therapy Methods on Lumbopelvic Stability among People with Low Back Pain

Research background. The majority of persons suffer from low back pain and prevalence of it seeks about 84%. Chronic low back pain is the second cause for people to go to their general practitioner. Many studies are done about treatment of chronic low back pain; however, complaints about back pain are increasing. Therefore we are going to find out which of the three our applied methods is the best for treating low back pain. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of different physical therapy methods on lumbopelvic stability control among people with chronic low back pain. Methods. 30 people with low back pain were participating in this study. Following factors were estimated before and after eight physical therapy sessions: intensity of pain by using the scale of numbers (SAS); lumbopelvic stability control by using “Stabilizer” pressure biofeedback unit; functional motions performance capacity by doing functional tasks. Results. Statistically significant changes were not found after the evaluation of lumbopelvic stability control under the method of Redcord sliding suspension system, elastic resistance and body weight exercises before and after physical therapy sessions. Statistically significant correlations were found between lumbopelvic stability control and pain intensity in those groups where people were training under the methods of elastic resistance and body weight exercises (p < 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found between lumbopelvic stability control and functional motions performance capacity in those groups where people were training under the methods of Redcord sliding suspension system and body weight exercises (p < 0.05). Conclusion: statistically significant change was not found between three intervention groups after physical therapy; therefore neither of three methods applied in this study was better than the others.Keywords: chronic low back pain, lumbopelvic stability control, functional movement performance capacity, physical therapy.

Advanced Interventions for Common Pain Conditions in Women

Pain syndromes affecting women have a significant global impact. There is increasing evidence that chronic pain affects a higher proportion of women than men around the world; unfortunately, women are less likely to receive treatment. Moreover, women generally experience more recurrent pain, more severe pain and longer-lasting pain than men. Pain conditions are more prevalent in women such as fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain and lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy and postpartum. Gender differences in pain sensitivity, pharmacological therapy, and nonpharmacological pain interventions have also been reported. It is becoming evident that gender differences in pain and its relief arise from an interaction of genetic, anatomical, physiological, neuronal, hormonal, psychological and social factors that modulate pain differently.

The effects of clinical pilates exercises on functional disability, pain, quality of life and lumbopelvic stabilization in pregnant women with low back pain: A randomized controlled study.

Although the Pilates method has been reported to be effective in women with low back pain (LBP), the efficacy of Pilates exercises in pregnant women with LBP has not been evaluated widely. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of clinical Pilates exercises on lumbopelvic stabilization, pain, disability and quality of life in pregnant women with LBP. Fourty pregnant women were randomized into either a Pilates exercise group (n= 20) or control group (n= 20). Subjects in the Pilates exercise group performed the exercises two times a week for eight weeks. Subjects in the control group followed regular prenatal care. Lumbopelvic stabilization was assessed with a pressure biofeedback unit, pain with the Visual Analog Scale, disability with the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire and quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Pain and disability were significantly improved in the Pilates exercise group after intervention (p= 0.03, p< 0.001, respectively). There were also significant improvements in sleep, physical mobility sub-parameters of NHP and lumbopelvic stabilization after Pilates exercises (p= 0.048, p= 0.007, respectively). However, there were no statistically significant changes in all outcome measures in the control group (p> 0.05). Pilates exercises can be recommended as an effective and safe method for increasing lumbopelvic stabilization, reducing pain and disability, improving physical mobility and sleep problems in pregnant women with LBP.

Effects of Two Different Kinesio Taping Applications on Pain and Functional Mobility in Pregnants With Lumbopelvic Pain

Effects of Two Different Kinesio Taping Applications on Pain and Functional Mobility in Pregnants With Lumbopelvic Pain

The conservative treatment of ligamentogenic lumbopelvic pain

An increased density of ligaments in the lumbopelvic region, that is typical for ligamentopathy, causes redistribution of the stressstrain state of structures in the biomechanical system «lumbar spine – sacrum – sacroiliac joint – pelvis», thereby provoking development of degenerative-dystrophic changes. Proceeding from the above, the concept of conservative treatment for ligamentogenic lumbopelvic pain (LLPP) should provide restoration of the natural density of the ligament and use of structuremodifying medicines.Objective: to develop a biomechanically and pathogenetically based technology for the conservative treatment of LLPP and assess of the efficacy of its use.Methods: 45 patients with LLPP were divided into three groups: I — extracorporeal shock-wave therapy, II — dietary supplement «Protecta», III — integrated treatment with dietary supplement «Protecta» in combination with shock-wave therapy. The patients’ condition was assessed before the treatment, after 1 and 3 months following its finishing. Results: reduction of the pain and functional limitations was registered in patients from all the groups. Nevertheless the pain, stiffness and functional insufficiency decreased most significantly in cases from group III. Following 1 and 3 months after the end of their treatment course, these patients’ blood serum revealed lower values of destruction in their cartilaginous and osseous tissues as well as a reduced activity of marker enzymes. Biochemical marker values after 1 month following the end of their treatment course in patients from groups I and III were better versus group II, but after 3 months the dynamics of the examined indices were more expressed in groups II and III.Conclusion: the developed technology for conservative treatment of LLPP with use of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy and dietary supplement «Protecta» is effective, as it is confirmed by results of clinical and biochemical studies.

Predictors of Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction Among Women With Lumbopelvic Pain.

There is evidence to suggest that a large proportion of individuals seeking care for lumbopelvic pain also have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD). Because the majority of physical therapists do not have the requisite training to adequately assess pelvic floor musculature, determining predictors of PFMD could be clinically useful. The objective was to establish a combination of factors (self-report and physical) predictive of PFMD in women with lumbopelvic pain. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants completed a battery of self-report and physical assessments (masked assessors). Three clinical findings characterized PFMD: weakness of the pelvic floor, lack of coordination of the pelvic floor, and pelvic floor muscle tenderness on palpation (bilateral obturator internus). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the extent to which different predictors were associated with PFMD. One hundred eight women with self-reported lumbopelvic pain (within the past week) were included in the study (mean age=40.4years; SD=12.6years). None of the examined factors predicted pelvic floor muscle weakness. Two factors independently predicted pelvic floor muscle tenderness on palpation: very strong and/or uncontrollable urinary urges (odds ratio [OR]=2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.13-7.59) and Central Sensitization Inventory scores of 40 or greater (OR=3.13; 95% CI=1.08-9.10). The sample consisted of young women, some of whom were not actively seeking care. Additionally, the technique for assessing pelvic floor muscle tenderness on palpation requires further validation. Women who have lumbopelvic pain, uncontrollable urinary urgency, and central sensitization were, on average, 2 times more likely to test positive for pelvic floor muscle tenderness on palpation. Further studies are needed to validate and extend these findings.

Pregnancy in Patients With Low Back Pain

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain has been a serious and common problem since ancient time. The present review article focuses on terminology, types, clinical presentation, and management of these problems. There are two entities regarding pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP). There are multiple mechanisms behind these disabilities. Age, multiparty, heavy weight lifting, hard physical activity, previous LBP, and low education increase the prevalence. About one-half of women with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain have PGP, one-third LBP, and one-sixth have both conditions. Overall, the literature reveals that PGP deserves serious attention from the clinical and economic standpoints.

Psychosocial and behavioural characteristics in women with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain 12\u2009years postpartum

BackgroundThere is insufficient evidence regarding psychosocial factors and its long-term association with persistent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. The overall aim of this study was to investigate women with persistent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain 12 years postpartum based on psychosocial and behavioural characteristics using the Swedish version of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-S) classification system.Material and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study based on a previous cohort. Data collection took place through a questionnaire. A total of 295 women from the initial cohort (n = 639) responded to the questionnaire giving a response rate of 47.3%. To determine the relative risk (RR) of reporting pain 12 years postpartum, a robust modified Poisson regression was used. This is the first study using the MPI-S as a predictive variable on women with persistent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.ResultsThe MPI-S classification procedure was carried out on a total of n = 226 women, where 53 women were classified as interpersonally distressed (ID), 82 as dysfunctional (DYS), and 91 as adaptive copers (AC). Women in the ID and DYS subgroups had a relative risk (RR) of reporting persistent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain 12 years postpartum that was more than twice as high compared to the AC subgroup (95% confidence interval (CI) in parenthesis): RR 2.57 (CI 1.76 - 3.75), p<0.0001 and RR 2.23 (CI 1.53 - 3.25), p<0.0001 respectively. Women in the DYS subgroup had more than 5 times increased risk of reporting sick leave the past 12 months compared to the AC subgroup (RR 5.44; CI 1.70 - 17.38, p=0.004).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that it is possible to classify women with persistent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain 12 years postpartum into relevant clinical subgroups based on psychosocial and behavioural characteristics using the MPI-S questionnaire.

Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome. Part two: Symptomology and rehabilitative trials

Background: Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome (LPES) is a little-known but common cause of chronic lumbopelvic and lower extremity pain. The authors document the clinical course of 61 patients who were diagnosed and treated for LPES between May 2016 and October 2018. The study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of our proposed diagnostic and conservative treatment protocol for LPES, clinically.Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients suffering from LPES. Patients were included in this study if they compatible symptoms with LPES with symptoms of low back, pelvic, groin, genital, thigh or calf pain after other more common etiologies have been excluded. Additionally, these patients had at least 5 positive provocative Tinel’s tests applied to various lumbopelvic and lower extremity (LPLE) nerve branches yielding =&gt; 7 (numeric rating scale) NRS, and weakness of one or more myotomes of the lower body. The group in its entirety was treated with gentle strengthening of the psoas major and piriformis muscles. The primary outcome measure was patient reported satisfaction and improvement including: Full, significant, moderate, slight, or no improvement in pain and symptoms. Patients were followed for up to two years.Results: The most common complaints amongst the patient pool were low back, groin, pelvic, posterior/lateral calf pain. Additionally, 17 patients (28%) stated that everything in the LPLE hurts, consistent with plexalgia. 13 patients were lost to follow-up as they did not reschedule treatment, for unknown reasons. Amongst the remaining 48 patients, 25 recovered fully (52%), 12 significantly (25%), and five moderately (10,4%). Five patients had a slight improvement (10,4%), and two no improvement whatsoever (4%). The average recovery times were mostly consistent with the time of affliction. Patients with a symptom duration of less than one year, generally recovered within 4 months. One to four years, within 10,5 months. Five to nine years, 7,5 months. And, finally, more than 10 years, within 18 months.Conclusion: Non-specific pain syndromes in the LPLE where other causes have been excluded, may be attributable to underlying LPES. In this study, a high correlation between the diagnostic &amp; interventional protocols, and beneficial patient outcomes were demonstrated. However, more statistical and long-term research is needed.Citation: Larsen K, Chien GCC. Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome. Part Two: Symptomology and rehabilitative trials. Anaesth pain &amp; intensiv care 2019;23(2):138-144

Links between the Hip and the Lumbar Spine (Hip Spine Syndrome) as they Relate to Clinical Decision Making for Patients with Lumbopelvic Pain.

This narrative review focuses on the links between the hip and lumbar spine in the context of lumbopelvic pain. The literature regarding this topic is variable, found in many disciplines of care using different terminology. Collectively these inconsistencies add to the complexity of understanding the current evidence as it pertains to clinical practice. We have chosen to review studies that describe and assess overlapping pain distributions between the lumbar spine and hip, hip osteoarthritis and lumbopelvic pain, improvements in low back pain following hip arthroplasty, association of hip range of motion and lumbopelvic pain, and lumbopelvic motion and hip motion as they relate to low back pain and gender. The links between the hip and lumbar spine may provide the clinician important information to make decisions and recommendations for people presenting with the clinical symptom complex including lumbopelvic pain.

Predictive Risk Factors for First-Onset Lumbopelvic Pain in Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review

Background: Lumbopelvic pain is common during pregnancy and postpartum. This pain has been linked to a variety of comorbidities, such as depression. Although pain is common in the postpartum period, the etiology of first-onset pain is unclear and the risk factors associated with this pain in the postpartum period are unknown. Objectives: The objective of the review was to determine risk factors for first-onset lumbopelvic pain during the postpartum period. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Included articles were prospective cohort studies that identified modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for first-onset lumbopelvic postpartum pain. Articles were selected following a comprehensive search of 4 databases. The Quality in Prognostic Studies tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Risk factors from the articles were categorized as extrinsic, intrinsic, or mixed and ranked by the strength of their association statistic. Results: Four articles met the inclusion criteria. The pooled incidence of first-onset lumbopelvic pain was 32%. Of the 11 risk factors investigated for low back pain, cesarean delivery (CD) with epidural anesthesia, duration of first stage of labor, age of the mother, race, and urinary tract infections were significantly predictive of first-onset low back pain. Nine risk factors were investigated for pelvic pain; none were significant. Conclusion: First-onset low back pain is present among postpartum women. The 5 risk factors identified in single studies were nonmodifiable. High-quality prognostic studies need to more consistently investigate risk factors for first-onset back pain in the postpartum pain.

Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome. Part one: A common yet little-known cause of chronic pelvic and lower extremity pain

Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome (LPES) is a little-known but common cause of chronic lumbopelvic and lower extremity pain. The lumbar plexus, including the lumbosacral tunks emerge through the fibers of the psoas major, and the proximal sciatic nerve beneath the piriformis muscles. Severe weakness of these muscles may lead to entrapment plexopathy, resulting in diffuse and non-specific pain patterns throughout the lumbopelvic complex and lower extremities (LPLE), easily mimicking other diagnoses and is therefore likely to mislead the interpreting clinician. It is a pathology very similar to that of thoracic outlet syndrome, but for the lower body. This two-part manuscript series was written in an attempt to demonstrate the existence, pathophysiology, diagnostic protocol as well as interventional strategy for LPES, and its efficacy.Piriformis syndrome; Nerve entrapment; Double-crush; Pain, Chronic; Fibromyalgia Citation: Larsen K, Chien GCC. Lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome. Part one: A common yet little-known cause of chronic pelvic and lower extremity pain. Anaesth pain &amp; intensiv care 2019;23(2):124-137

Lifestyle and Exercise Interventions for Lumbopelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A New Protocol

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a protocol that included the implementation of lifestyle modifications and a specialized exercise program would improve the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and mild pelvic organ prolapse in women. METHODS: The five-week IRB-approved study included 23 female subjects aged 43.0 + 9.0 years (Mean + S.D.) who exhibited symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction as defined by 3 assessments (the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFIQ-7], the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability, and the Pelvic Floor Impact [PFDI-SF20] questionnaires). The study also included InBody570 body composition measurements, pelvic alignment assessments, diastasis recti assessments, and manual external pelvic floor muscle activation assessments. Participants were instructed in specific lifestyle modifications and participated in an exercise program over the course of seven live group sessions, 45 minutes each, led by one or both of the investigator clinicians. They were also taught to perform a home exercise program at least 5 days per week and completed compliance forms that were returned at the next live group session. The clinicians were a licensed physical therapist and a clinical exercise physiologist. RESULTS: IBM SPSS version 24 statistical programming was utilized and non-parametric Wilcoxon “related-items” analyses were employed. A 0.05 level of significance was applied. The study results of the pre- and post- values indicated significant improvements of lower back pain (Oswestry, z(23) = -3.67, p < .05), significant improvements of the quality of life subjective emotional gauge (PFDI -20, z(23) = -4.11, p < .05), and significant improvements of bladder, bowel, and prolapse symptoms (PFIQ - 7, z(23) = -3.74, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study was highly labor- and time-intensive, and the sample was not large enough to eliminate statistical bias. However, the successful results warranted a continuation of the study to include 40 female volunteers with no modifications to the study’s protocol using the same clinicians. Researchers are currently recruiting volunteers to complete the study.

Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study.

Lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP) is a common disorder in women after pregnancy due to ligament laxity and postural changes. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity is important for lumbo-pelvic stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) on TrA and PFM muscle activity and pain intensity in women with postpartum LPP. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 68 women with postpartum LPP. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) and received either SE or GE exercise for 8weeks three times a week. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to measure the thickness change of TrA muscles during abdominal hollowing (AH) and bladder base displacement. These measurements were used as an indicator of TrA and PFM muscle activity. Pain intensity, thickness changes of the TrA muscle and bladder base displacement were measured pre- and post-intervention. The results showed that there was no significant difference in pain relief after intervention between groups. The differences in TrA and PFM activity between groups were significant (P < 0.05). PFM and TrA muscle activity was significantly increased after SE in women with postpartum LPP (P < 0.05). SE improved both PFM and TrA muscle function more than GE in women with postpartum LPP. However, the clinical outcome of pain relief was not greater in the SE group.

Impact of job adjustment, pain location and exercise on sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Objective: To identify factors associated with sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain (LPP) in pregnancy.Design: Prospective cohort study using participants from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to study the effect of exercise during pregnancy on pregnancy related diseases.Setting: St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital and Stavanger University Hospital, April 2007 to December 2009.Subjects: Healthy pregnant women.Main outcome measures: Self-reported sick leave due to LPP in late pregnancy (gestation week 32–36).Results: In total, 532/716 (74%) women reported LPP at 32–36 weeks of pregnancy, and 197/716 (28%) reported sick leave due to LPP. Not receiving job adjustments when needed (Odds ratio, OR with 95% confidence interval, CI, was 3.0 (1.7–5.4)) and having any pain in the pelvic girdle versus no pain (OR 2.7 (1.3–5.6), OR 2.7 (1.4–5.2) and OR 2.2 (1.04–4.8)) for anterior, posterior and combined anterior and posterior pain in the pelvis respectively, were associated with sick leave due to LPP in late pregnancy. Also higher disability, sick listed due to LPP at inclusion and lower education, were significant explanatory variables. There was a trend of reduced risk for sick leave due to LPP when allocated to the exercise group in the original RCT (OR 0.7 (0.4–1.0)).Conclusion: Facilitating job adjustments when required might keep more pregnant women in employment. Furthermore, pain locations in pelvic area, disability, lower education and being sick listed due to LPP in mid pregnancy are important risk factors for sick leave in late pregnancy.Key pointsCurrent awareness:More than half of pregnant women are on sick leave during pregnancy and the most frequently reported cause is lumbopelvic pain.This paper adds:Inability to make job adjustments, pain locations in pelvic area, disability and lower education level were the most important risk factors for sick leave in late pregnancy. Facilitating early job adjustment might be a precaution to keep more pregnant women in work. Allocation to an exercise group tended to reduce the risk of sick leave in late pregnancy.Registration number: Clinical trial gov (NCT 00476567).

Ultrasonography comparison of diaphragm thickness and excursion between athletes with and without lumbopelvic pain

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare diaphragm thickness and excursion between athletes with and without lumbopelvic pain (LPP) by trans-costal and trans-hepatic rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), respectively. DesignA case-control study. SettingAmateur and semiprofessional athletes teams. ParticipantsForty matched-paired athletes with LPP (n = 20; LPP case group) and without LPP (n = 20; Healthy control group) were recruited. Main outcome measuresDiaphragm thickness and excursion (cm) were assessed during relaxed respiratory activity (maximum inspiration–Tins, expiration–Texp and difference–Tins-exp) by trans-costal and trans-hepatic rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), respectively. ResultsStatistically significant differences (P < .05) with an effect size from moderate to large (d = 0.63–1.07) were shown for bilateral diaphragm thickness reductions at Tins and thickness difference at Tins-Texp of the right hemi-diaphragm for athletes with LPP compared to healthy athletes. ConclusionsAthletes who suffered from LPP presented a reduced diaphragm thickness compared to healthy matched-paired athletes. Therefore, these novel findings may suggest that diaphragm reeducation could be a main focus of intervention related to athletic performance, prevention and rehabilitation. Nevertheless, these findings should be considered with caution due to the possible influence of the RUSI measurement errors of the diaphragm activation during normal breathing.

Effect of core stability exercises on postpartum lumbopelvic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Core stability exercises have been widely advocated for management of patients with different musculoskeletal conditions, even though its effect on postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain (LPP) has not been fully investigated. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of core stability exercises on postpartum LPP. Thirty four women suffering from postpartum LPP were randomly assigned to the study or control group. The control group (n= 17) received traditional treatment (infrared radiation and continuous ultrasound) on lumbosacral region (L1-S5), whereas the study group (n= 17) received core stability exercises in addition to traditional treatment three sessions a week for six weeks. Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were assessed for all participants in both groups before and after the treatment program. There was a significant improvement in PPT, VAS and ODI post-treatment compared with the pre-treatment in both groups (p= 0.001). There was a significant improvement in participants who received core stability exercises in addition to traditional treatment as compared to participants treated with the traditional treatment only in PPT (P= 0.001), VAS (P= 0.001) and ODI (P= 0.009). Core stability exercises in addition to traditional treatment significantly decreased pain and improved function for women with postpartum LPP.

Different Exercise Intensities for Relieving Lumbopelvic Pain in Pregnant Women

This systematic review aimed to determine whether light-intensity exercise is a viable alternative to moderate-intensity exercise for relieving lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Light-intensity exercise produced significant changes in both the visual analog scale and the numeric rating scale, whereas moderate-intensity exercise produced significant changes in the visual analog scale but not the numeric rating scale. Light- and moderate-intensity exercise can reduce lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy. Light-intensity exercises may be an option for pregnant women who are unable to perform moderate-intensity exercise. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed because there is significant heterogeneity among the included studies, and the strength of the results is questionable.