Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts

Symphysis pubis pain is a significant problem for some pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise, advice, and pelvic support belts on the management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy.

Ninety pregnant women with symphysis pubis dysfunction were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups.

A randomized masked prospective experimental clinical trial was conducted. Specific muscle strengthening exercises and advice concerning appropriate methods for performing activities of daily living were given to the 3 groups, and 2 of the groups were given either a rigid pelvic support belt or a nonrigid pelvic support belt. The dependent variables, which were measured before and after the intervention, were a Roland-Morris Questionnaire score, a Patient-Specific Functional Scale score, and a pain score (101-point numerical rating score).

After the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the Roland-Morris Questionnaire score, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale score, and the average and worst pain scores in all groups. With the exception of average pain, there were no significant differences between groups for the other measures.

The findings indicate that the use of either a rigid or a nonrigid pelvic support belt did not add to the effects provided by exercise and advice.