Effect of segmental stabilizing exercises augmented by pelvic floor muscles training on women with postpartum pelvic girdle pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a significant problem that affects daily living activities in postpartum women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of stabilizing exercises with or without pelvic floor muscles (PFM) training on pain, functional disability, trunk range of motion (ROM) and PFM strength in women with PGP. METHODS: Forty postpartum women participated in the study. Their age ranged from 25-35 years and their body mass index (BMI) was 25-29.9 kg/m(2). They were randomly assigned into two groups equal in number. Group (A) received local stabilizing exercises, while group (B) received stabilizing exercises and PFM training. Pain, functional disability, trunk ROM and PFM strength have been evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Schober test and Kegel periniometer respectively. RESULTS: Both groups (A and B) revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.001) in pain and functional disability and a significant increase (p = 0.001) in trunk ROM and PFM strength. However, group (B) showed a significant decrease (p = 0.001) in pain, and functional disability and a significant increase in PFM strength when compared with group (A). CONCLUSIONS: PFM training should be an essential part in rehabilitation programs of PGP postpartum.