Motor Control Exercise Program for Pregnant Women With a History of Lumbopelvic Pain

Effects of a Motor Control Exercise Program on Lumbopelvic Pain Occurrence and Intensity in Pregnant Women With a History of Lumbopelvic Pain: a Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

This study protocol was designed to establish the feasibility of conducting a motor control exercise program with pregnant women presenting a history of lumbopelvic pain (LBPP) in order to reduce LBPP occurrence or limit its intensity. This randomized controlled trial also aims to preliminary assess the effectiveness of the program. To do so, 40 pregnant women with a history of LBPP will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of 2 groups: control (20 participants) or intervention (20 participants). The control group will receive standard care, including basic information on what to do when suffering from LBPP. The intervention group will participate in a weekly 40-minute group session and two more 40-minute weekly home exercise sessions. The motor control exercise program will be designed to target strengthening of the lumbo-pelvic-hip core muscles in order to improve stabilization and protection of the spine and pelvis. Participants of this group will also receive standard care. Adequate prevention and treatment of LBPP, experienced by women during pregnancy, should help reduce LBPP occurrence or limit its intensity during pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being pregnant of one fetus
• Being ≤ 20 weeks pregnant
• Presenting a history of lumbopelvic pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inflammatory rheumatic disease
• Infectious disease
• Neuromuscular disease
• Vascular disease
• Connective tissue disease
• Severe disabling pain
• Neurologic signs and symptoms