The Effect of Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Disability, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Postpartum Lumbopelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVEThe effect of stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and pelvic floor muscle function in postpartum lumbopelvic pain. DESIGNThis is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTINGThis study was performed at the physiotherapy clinic, Zahedan University of Medical Science, from January to November 2017. PARTICIPANTSThirty-six multiparous women with persistent postpartum lumbopelvic pain were recruited at least 3 mos after delivery. INTERVENTIONSSubjects in the training group (n = 18) received electrotherapy modalities and specific stabilizing exercises. The control group (n = 18) received only electrotherapy modalities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESPain, disability, and bladder base displacement (at rest and pelvic floor muscles contraction) were measured through visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires, and transabdominal ultrasound imaging respectively at baseline and after 6 wks of intervention. RESULTSBetween-groups comparison showed significant improvement in pain, disability, and bladder base displacement in the training group (P < 0.05). In within-group comparison, training group had significant difference for all variables (P < 0.05). In the control group, pain and disability had significant difference (P < 0.05), whereas bladder base displacement had no significant change (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONSThe stabilizing exercises can remarkably improve pain, disability, and pelvic floor muscles function in postpartum lumbopelvic pain (Clinical Trial RegistryNCT03030846).