Effectiveness of Lumbopelvic Stabilization Exercises for Pregnancy-related Low Back Pain

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on women who have undergone Caesarian sections on: 1) disability using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (OSW), 2) pain according to the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 3) percent change of muscle thickness of the deep abdominals using ultrasound imaging, and 4) perceived improvement using the Global Rating of Change (GROC).

Pregnancy-related low back pain is a very complex problem. Decreased strength and endurance in the trunk and hip muscles have been shown in those with pregnancy-related low back pain. Lumbopelvic stabilization exercises have been shown to decrease pain and disability in those with low back pain. However, there have been very few studies with post-partum women, specifically those who have undergone Caesarian section births. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on women who have undergone Caesarian sections on: 1) disability using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (OSW), 2) pain according to the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 3) percent change of muscle thickness of the deep abdominals using ultrasound imaging, and 4) perceived improvement using the Global Rating of Change (GROC).

Lumbopelvic stabilization exercises have been shown to decrease pain and disability in those with low back pain. The objective of this exercise program is to recruit and train the primary stabilizing muscles of the spine in order for them to more appropriately support the spine.

The objective of this exercise program is to recruit and train the primary stabilizing muscles of the spine in order for them to more appropriately support the spine.

Inclusion Criteria: Unilateral low back pain near the sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) (distal and/or lateral to L5-S1 in the buttocks) and/or symphysis pubis Pain onset during pregnancy or within 3 weeks of delivery Most recent delivery within 6-24 weeks At least 2/6 positive SIJ provocation tests (thigh thrust, sacral compression, sacral distraction, sacral thrust, Gaenslen's test) Positive active straight leg raise (ASLR) test. Exclusion Criteria: Neurological signs Systemic disease Currently pregnant