Effects of Pelvic Floor Exercises and Pelvic Support Belt in Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Effects of Pelvic Floor Exercises With and Without Pelvic Support Belt on Pain, Functions and Disability Among Post-partum Females With Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is a medical condition that affects the pelvic region, particularly the joint that joins the two pubic bones at the front of the pelvis, the pubic symphysis. Although normally this joint is quite stable, the ligaments surrounding the pelvis loosen in preparation for childbirth due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly an increase in a hormone called relaxin. This may result in pelvic joint instability, which can cause pain and discomfort, usually in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, or groin. Symptoms, physical examination, and medical history are frequently used to diagnose SPD. Medical professionals may also test for pelvic instability and assess for tenderness near the pubic symphysis. Imaging (such as an X-ray or ultrasound) may be performed to rule out other disorders in certain situations, but it is not always required.

The study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Fatima Medical Complex, Hameeda Bashir Hospital, Sadaf Yahya Hospital and Tehsil Head Quarter (THQ) Daska. This study will be completed in time duration of 10 months after the approval of synopsis. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 48 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The subjects will be divided into two groups. Group A will receive Phonophoresis for 10 minutes as baseline treatment and pelvic floor exercises (Kegel Exercises, Bridging, Pelvic Tilt, Squats, Dead Bug) with pelvic support belt whereas Group B will receive only pelvic floor exercises and Phonophoresis as baseline treatment. The tools that will be used are Oswestry Disability Index, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assessing Pain, Disability and functioning. After data collection, data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.

Keywords: pelvic floor, exercises, post-partum, symphysis pubis dysfunction, pain, function, disability

Inclusion Criteria:

• Multigravida females
• Women diagnosed with pubic symphysis dysfunction
• Females willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study.
• Functional Status: Able to engage in physical activity without significant contraindications.
• Symptom Severity: Experience pain and disability due to symphysis pubis dysfunction
• Previous Treatment: May not have undergone pelvic floor therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Participants below 8 years and above 12 years.

  • Any Psychological issue
  • Primigravida Females
  • Significant neurological disorders, pelvic pain syndromes, or conditions affecting pelvic floor function.
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders: Presence of other pelvic floor disorders (e.g., Fecal Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence)