Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of home-based specific stabilizing
exercises focusing on the local stabilizing muscles as the only intervention in
the treatment of persistent postpartum pelvic girdle pain. DESIGN: A prospective,
randomized, single-blinded, clinically controlled study. SUBJECTS: Eighty-eight
women with pelvic girdle pain were recruited 3 months after delivery. METHODS:
The treatment consisted of specific stabilizing exercises targeting the local
trunk muscles. The reference group had a single telephone contact with a
physiotherapist. Primary outcome was disability measured with Oswestry Disability
Index. Secondary outcomes were pain, health-related quality of life (EQ-5D),
symptom satisfaction, and muscle function. RESULTS: No significant differences
between groups could be found at 3- or 6-month follow-up regarding primary
outcome in disability. Within-group comparisons showed some improvement in both
groups in terms of disability, pain, symptom satisfaction and muscle function
compared with baseline, although the majority still experienced pelvic girdle
pain. CONCLUSION: Treatment with this home-training concept of specific
stabilizing exercises targeting the local muscles was no more effective in
improving consequences of persistent postpartum pelvic girdle pain than the
clinically natural course. Regardless of whether treatment with specific
stabilizing exercises was carried out, the majority of women still experienced
some back pain almost one year after pregnancy.

Langue : ANGLAIS