Management of Chronic Post-Partum Pelvic Girdle Pain Study

Plain-language summary

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) during pregnancy occurs in approximately 70% of females and 38% of women continue to suffer PGP symptoms beyond 12 weeks following delivery. PGP post- partum causes pain during everyday activities that impacts negatively on health related quality of life and is associated with significant healthcare and societal costs. These women are often referred to physiotherapy, however management is difficult and there is a weak evidence base for its management. Alongside the provision of advice and information, physiotherapists commonly prescribe orthoses such as a rigid belt with the aim of optimising pelvic stability and reducing pain. More recently a novel customised Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthosis has been developed as an alternative to an 'off the shelf' pelvic belt. No studies have investigated their effectiveness in complementing standard physiotherapy advice and management. The investigators will undertake a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to critically evaluate the evidence base for the conservative management of chronic post-partum PGP. This will inform a single case experimental design. Here eight AB single case studies will be performed with the point of intervention being randomised between subjects. The use of a randomisation test permits subsequent statistical analyses of group effects. Participants' pain, activity levels, and quality of life will be evaluated along with subjective changes in confidence and urinary incontinence. Adherence to orthosis use will be diarised. Exit interviews will assess aspects such as the appropriateness of the outcome measures and acceptability of the intervention that will help to inform future clinical trials.

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Trial details