Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain

Investigation of Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnant Women With Pelvic Girdle Pain

It has not been objectively clarified how the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) changes the biomechanical adaptations that occur in the lumbopelvic region during pregnancy and whether it is associated with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of TLF, which adapts to the changes in the lumbopelvic region in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain, and to investigate its relationship with PGP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-time pregnancy
• Pregnant women diagnosed with pelvic girdle pain in 1st and 2nd trimesters
• Pregnant women who do not have pelvic girdle pain in 1st and 2nd trimesters
• Women not being pregnant
• 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 biomechanical alignment
• History of spine, pelvis, or lower extremity surgery or fracture in the past 6 months
• Definition of chronic low back-pelvic region pain (lasting for more than 3 months and pain severity >4 according to VAS) before pregnancy
• Identification of metabolic disorders such as Type I, II diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia before and/or during pregnancy)