Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnant Women

Investigation of Trimester-Specific Normative Values of Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy causes the development of biomechanical adaptations in the musculoskeletal system, especially in the lumbopelvic region. In this context, the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is the most important structure in this region and is an exoskeleton for the muscles of the lumbar region. However, it has not been objectively clarified how the TLF adapts to the changes in the lumbopelvic region during pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study is to investigate the trimester-specific biomechanical (stiffness, decrement and tone) and viscoelastic (creep and relaxation time) properties of the TLF, which adapts to the lumbopelvic region changes in pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First pregnancy
• They are between the ages of 18-40
• Pre-pregnancy Body-Mass-Index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of connective tissue disease
• Deterioration of skin integrity in measurement areas
• Presence of orthopedic, neurological, rheumatic problems that may cause musculoskeletal disorders and deviations from normal in biomechanical alignment
• History of spine, pelvis or lower extremity surgery or fracture in the past 6 months
• Description of chronic (more than 3 months) lumbar-pelvic region pain before pregnancy
• Defining metabolic disorders such as type I, II diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia
• Having Pelvic Girdle Pain