Prevention of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain, using a single exercise and advice-based physiotherapy intervention in early pregnancy: A pilot study

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is a term used to describe pain emanating from the lumbar spine or pelvic girdle that develops either during pregnancy or in the immediate post-partum period. Although it is estimated that up to 70% of pregnant women will report lumbopelvic pain at some point during their pregnancy, there is a paucity of literature pertaining to the prevention of the condition. This study was therefore undertaken in order to explore the feasibility of a larger-scale study into the prevention of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain using a single exercise and advice-based physiotherapy intervention in early pregnancy. Several aspects of feasibility were addressed and it was highlighted that several modifications would have to be made to the protocol in order to ensure successful completion of a larger-scale study. The tendency towards improved outcomes in the study group was however an encouraging finding and supports the need for further research in this field.