Effect of motor control training and breathing exercises on pain, disability and core muscle activity in women with postpartum lumbopelvic pain: a study protocol for randomised controlled trial study

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is a prevalent condition among women following childbirth. Due to the importance of respiratory muscles in lumbopelvic stability, and the changes they undergo during pregnancy, this study aims to assess the effects of motor control training and breathing exercises on pain, disability and core muscle activity in women suffering from LPP after childbirth.

Methods and analysis: 52 women with postpartum LPP will participate in this two-parallel-armed, superiority randomised controlled trial, comprising 24 treatment sessions. The intervention group consists of motor control training and breathing exercises, and the control group includes motor control training. The diaphragm excursion, pelvic floor and abdominal muscle activity, pain and disability will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging, visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index, before and after the intervention, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the human research ethics committee of the Iran University of Medical Sciences (IR.IUMS.REC.1403.017). The study results will be submitted to a relevant journal and conferences.

Trial registration number: This clinical trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 21 May 2024 (registration number: IRCT20180916041051N2).

Keywords: Back pain; Clinical Trial; Exercise; Pelvic Pain; Postpartum Women; Ultrasonography.