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Does regular exercise during pregnancy influence lumbopelvic pain? A randomized controlled trial
Signe N Stafne1, Kjell Å Salvesen, Pål R Romundstad
1Department of Public Health and General Practice, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. signe.n.stafne@ntnu.no
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Regular exercise during pregnancy did not reduce lumbopelvic pain prevalence. However, pregnant women in an exercise program experienced less sick leave due to this pain.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
Background:
- Lumbopelvic pain is a common complaint during pregnancy.
- Standard antenatal care may not adequately address pregnancy-related pain.
- The impact of structured exercise programs on pregnancy discomfort requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a regular exercise program in managing lumbopelvic pain among pregnant women.
- To compare the prevalence of lumbopelvic pain and associated sick leave between exercise and standard care groups.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 855 pregnant women across two centers.
- Intervention group: 12-week exercise program (aerobic and strengthening) with supervised and home-based components.
- Control group: Standard antenatal care. Data analyzed using intention-to-treat.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in lumbopelvic pain prevalence at 36 weeks gestation (74% vs. 75%).
- Significantly lower proportion of women on sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain in the exercise group (22% vs. 31%, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- A regular exercise program during pregnancy does not alter the occurrence of lumbopelvic pain.
- Exercise interventions may improve women's ability to manage lumbopelvic pain, reducing work absence.