A Study to compare the effects of three types of exercise programme for Pelvic girdle pain during Pregnancy

Pelvic girdle pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Pelvic girdle pain is a pain localized in the area between the posterior iliac crest and gluteal fold, especially in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joints which may radiate to the posterior thigh, or to the groin or perineum and which lacks a typical nerve root distribution.

To determine the effects of stabilizing exercise for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. To determine the effects of stabilizing exercise and back care for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. To determine the effects of stabilizing exercise and abdominal exercise for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.

Study Type: Comparative study design Study setting: Saveetha Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre. Sampling technique: Convenient sampling technique. Sample size: 45 subjects Inclusion criteria: Pregnant Women (Second and Third Trimester), Age Group 20 to 35 years, pain located to one or more pelvic joint. Exclusion criteria: Previous history of significant back or pelvic injury, Women on long term steroid medication, Obstetric complications, Fever, Pregnant women. Procedure: 45 individuals with pelvic girdle pain were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and written informed consent was obtained from the patients. They were explained about the safety and simplicity of the procedure. All the 45 patients with pelvic girdle pain were selected using convenient sampling technique. Subjects were allocated in three groups (group A-15, group B-15 and group C-15) using lottery method of sampling.

Statistical Analysis was carried out for the collected data using descriptive and interferential statistics. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for different parameters in pre test and post test and the data were computerized and analyzed.

The study concluded that all the three groups resulted in positive outcomes but Group C with Stabilizing exercise (Pelvic tilt and kegel's exercise) along with abdominal exercise is more effective than Stabilizing exercise (Group A) and Stabilizing exercise with back care (Group B) in reducing pain and disability among patients with Pelvic girdle pain.