Pelvic Pain, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Conditions
Keywords
Pelvic Girdle pain, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, Sacroiliac Joint, Sacroiliitis, Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, Orthotic Devices
Brief summary
This blinded randomized comparative trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a customized Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses (DEFO) compared to a standard pelvic belt in: a) reducing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), b) optimizing activity levels in pregnant women with PGP, c) improving quality of life for pregnant women with PGP d) cost effectiveness.
Detailed description
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) occurs in an estimated 70% of pregnant women, of whom 25% have severe pain and 8% significant disability. Current methods of management, such as the use of rigid pelvic belts, are limited in their effectiveness. The Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses (DEFO) has recently proven beneficial in managing PGP in athletes. There is a need to explore the potential use of DEFO for managing PGP during pregnancy. The primary aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of a DEFO to a rigid 'off the shelf' pelvic support belt in terms of its effectiveness in reducing PGP during pregnancy. The secondary aims of the study are to compare the effectiveness of the DEFO to the rigid 'off the shelf' pelvic support belt in (a) optimizing activity levels in pregnant women with PGP, (b)improving quality of life for pregnant women with PGP. The relative cost effectiveness of these two interventions will also be compared.
Interventions
DEVICECustomised Dynamic Elastomeric fabric Orthoses
Eligible participants will be measured and fitted with a customised Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses. The participant may require a re-fitting of the garment as they progress through their pregnancy. Participants will also be issued with standardised advice on PGP management via an information leaflet from Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's health website.
DEVICESerola Sacroiliac Belt
Eligible participants will be measured and fitted with a Serola sacroiliac belt. Participants will also be issued with standardised advice on PGP management via an information leaflet from Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's health website.
Sponsors
University of Plymouth
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
women 20-36 weeks pregnant, who: * report intermittent PGP (commenced or aggravated during pregnancy) which causes walking and/or stair climbing to be bothersome and * are positive on at least 3 out of 7 pain provocation tests
Exclusion criteria
* recent history/signs or symptoms indicative of serious causes of pain that might be inflammatory, infective, traumatic, neoplastic, degenerative or metabolic, i.e. trauma, unexplained weight loss, history of cancer, steroid use, drug abuse, HIV infection, immunosuppressed state, neurological symptoms/signs such as: bowel, bladder, sensory, motor, reflex involvement (cauda equina, lumbar disk lesion, spinal stenosis,) * fever * systemically unwell * obstetric complications * pain that does not improve with rest/severe disabling pain * history of chronic back or pelvic pain requiring surgery * focal inflammatory signs/tenderness of spine (spondylolisthesis) * known skin allergy to lycra * \>36 weeks pregnant (production of customized DEFO will take approximately 1 week)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Pain Levels | Baseline (pre intervention), 2 weekly intervals for potential of 20 weeks(pre-partum), 2 weekly intervals for 6 weeks (post-partum) | Change in pain levels at 2 weekly intervals will be measured by a self report numerical rating scale. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Activity Levels | Baseline (pre intervention), 2 weekly intervals for potential of 20 weeks(pre-partum), 2 weekly intervals for 6 weeks (post-partum) | Change in activity levels at 2 weekly intervals will be measured by a self report questionnaire. |
| Change in Quality of Life | Baseline (pre intervention), 2 weekly intervals for potential of 20 weeks(pre-partum), 2 weekly intervals for 6 weeks (post-partum) | Change in Quality of life at two weekly intervals will be measured by two self report questionnaires: (i) Short Form 36 - Item Health Survey (Version 2) (ii) Euroqol (EQ-5D) Health Questionnaire |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed