Investigation the Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability and Activity of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Patients With Postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain

Zahra Teymuri, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of stabilization exercises on pain, disability and pelvic floor muscles function in patients with lumbopelvic pain.

Pregnancy is a specific experience that leads to several physical changes in women's body and influence most aspects of their lives. Pregnancy and delivery can cause serious complications such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and low back pain (LBP) that have negative effects on women's sexual, physical, social and psychological health.

Based on Wu et al. systematic review, prevalence of pregnancy related low back pain (PLBP) during pregnancy and postpartum is 45% and 25% respectively.

LBP is one of the most current causes of disability and sick leave after delivery.Abnormal load transfer in the lumbopelvic region has been considered as one possible explanation to lumbopelvic pain.The local stabilizing muscles, i.e. the transversely oriented abdominal, diaphragm, the lumbar MF and the PFM Play an important role in load transfer in the lumbopelvic region.so, we considered that an exercise program that addresses muscular dysfunction, such as lumbar stabilization exercise can improve motor pattern of local stabilizing muscles and can use in management of postpartum lumbopelvic pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age more than 18 years old
• pain located between costal margin to gluteal fold with or without radiation to lower limbs
• onset of pain during pregnancy or after delivery
• history of delivery at least 3 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria:

• known chronic rheumatologic or Orthopedic disorders
• systemic locomotor disease
• history of fracture, neoplasm,intervertebral disk pathology or radiculopathy, spondylolysis or spondylolysthesis
• contraindication of exercises, heart disease, diabetes, thrombophlebitis, uncontrolled epilepsy
• ongoing pregnancy
• treatment with specific stabilisation exercise during previous 3 months.