Postpartum
Conditions
Keywords
Postpartum females;, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction;, Postural correction; Lumbar stabilization exercises, ; Muscle Energy Technique (MET).
Brief summary
This randomized clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of combined postural correction and lumbar stabilization exercises compared with Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in postpartum women with sacroiliac joint dysfunction following cesarean delivery. The study will include women aged 18-45 years who are 12-48 weeks postpartum and meet the specified clinical criteria for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A total of 82 participants will be randomly allocated into two groups of 41 participants each. The intervention group will receive postural correction and stabilization exercises, while the comparison group will receive Muscle Energy Technique. Treatment will be provided three times per week for four weeks. Pain intensity, functional disability, and pelvic girdle-related pain and activity limitations will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), respectively. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention to determine the comparative effects of the two physiotherapy approaches.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPostural Correction and Lumbar Stabilization Exercises
A physiotherapy-based exercise intervention consisting of postural correction strategies and lumbar stabilization exercises designed to improve postural alignment, trunk stability, and functional outcomes in postpartum females.
BEHAVIORALMuscle Energy Technique (MET)
A manual physiotherapy intervention involving therapist-guided muscle energy techniques to address musculoskeletal dysfunction and improve mobility and functional outcomes in postpartum females.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Females aged 18-45 years. Postpartum women within the specified postpartum period according to the study protocol. Participants who have postpartum low back/pelvic musculoskeletal symptoms relevant to the study. Participants who are medically stable and able to participate in physiotherapy. Participants who are able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Participants willing to participate in the study and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Women with a history of major spinal, pelvic, or lower-limb surgery. Participants with serious spinal pathology, including fracture, malignancy, infection, or severe neurological involvement. Participants with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic conditions that contraindicate therapeutic exercise or manual therapy. Participants with acute musculoskeletal injury requiring medical/surgical management. Participants with pregnancy-related complications requiring specialized medical management. Participants currently receiving another structured physiotherapy program targeting the same condition. Participants unable to understand or follow the intervention or outcome-assessment procedures. Participants who decline or withdraw informed consent.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | 8 weeks | Pain measured by VAS |
Outcome results
None listed