Effect of physical activity on low back pain in pregnant women

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical activity and its effect on the prevalence of low back pain. Additional research questions were formulated to thoroughly examine the topic under study. Was low back pain reported by study participants before and during pregnancy? Did women who were physically active and those who were inactive during pregnancy experience low back pain? Did pain intensity depend on physical activity? The study examined 118 women aged 23 to 42 years. The mean age of the participants was 25.57 ± 3.46 years. In terms of demographics, one-third of the participants lived in rural areas and twothirds lived in urban areas. Most of the women (72.9%) had higher education and 75.4% of them were employed. Ninety-seven women were married. The interview was based on an anonymous questionnaire with 30 questions and the visual analog scale (VAS). For 72% of women, pregnancy is accompanied by low back pain (p<0.001). They viewed physical activity as a method of pain management rather than prevention of back pain (p=0.010). Therefore, they undertook various forms of physical activity to relieve pain. This is one of the main motivations for taking up physical exercise during pregnancy. The benefits of physical activity most commonly emphasized by pregnant women include a faster return to their pre-pregnancy slimness, easier delivery, reduced back pain, and improved mood.