Effect of exercise with a pelvic realignment device on low-back and pelvic girdle pain after childbirth: A randomized control study

Abstract

After childbirth, more than 30% of women have pain in the back of the pelvis. Pelvic stabilization exercises are recommended to reduce pain and improve functioning. The aim of this study was to determine whether use of a pelvic realignment device during standing exercises can further improve pelvic pain after childbirth. We hypothesized that the device would improve pain reduction within 4 weeks after delivery compared with exercise alone. This study measured 75 women from day 1 to 12 months after childbirth. The women were divided into 3 groups: (i) 25 performed pelvic stabilization exercises with the pelvic realignment device; (ii) 25 performed pelvic stabilization exercises alone; and (iii) a control group of 25 performed no pelvic exercise. Exercises with the pelvic realignment device had immediate and short-term effects on improvement in pain within 4 weeks. Therefore, a pelvic exercise programme with pelvic realignment device is recommended for reducing pelvic irdle ain after childbirth.