Clinical Research Directory

Telehealth: Diaphragmatic vs. Pelvic Exercise in Postpartum Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain

The goal of this interventional study is to compare investigate the short-term and long-term effects of 8-week real-time telehealth-based diaphragmatic breathing exercise and pelvic stabilization exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life in postpartum women with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

The Role of Proprioceptive Deficits, Psychosocial Factors and Inflammation in Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain

A large proportion of pregnant women develop pregnancy-related low back and/or pelvic girdle pain (PPGP), which often does not recover spontaneously postpartum. As a result, 10% of women with PPGP are thus crucial. However, the underlying mechanisms of PPGP are still poorly understood. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether lumbar proprioceptive deficits, a disturbed body perception at the lumbar spine, psychosocial factors (incl. pain-related fear of movement, depression, anxiety and stress) and increased serum concentrations of specific inflammatory mediators are associated with (1) a reduced postural control and (2) the development and/or persistence of PPGP in multiparous women during the first and third trimester of pregnancy, and six weeks and six months postpartum.

Proprioceptive, Fear-related and Inflammatory Factors in the Persistence of Pregnancy-related Lumbopelvic Pain.

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) affects 50-90% of pregnant women and is often dismissed as a normal part of pregnancy. However, the long-term consequences can be dramatic. Up to 21% of women with PLPP still have pain three years postpartum, and 10% experience disability, poorer quality of life, and lower ability to work 11 years after delivery. Because the multifactorial etiology of PLPP is unclear, prevention and treatment fall short. Previous studies on the causes of PLPP focused on impairments in motor output but ignored that impairments in sensory input (e.g., proprioception, the primary expertise of our research group) often precede motor output problems. Moreover, though psychological factors such as fear (of movement) are known to affect PLPP, their predictive role in PLPP remains understudied. Finally, the role of systemic inflammation in PLPP has yet to be examined, despite recent studies demonstrating its role in the chronification of lumbopelvic pain in the general population. This prospective cohort study aims to identify new modifiable predictors for the onset of PLPP during pregnancy and its persistence postpartum. The investigators will compare sensory (proprioception, body perception), fear-related, and inflammatory factors between women with and without PLPP and determine their predictive role in the onset and persistence of PLPP. The results will increase our understanding of the multifactorial etiology of PLPP and help optimize prevention and treatment.

Adapted Physical Activity and Pelvic Floor Function for Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common condition during pregnancy, affecting up to two-thirds of women. It can cause significant discomfort, limit daily activities, and reduce quality of life. Current treatment options are limited, and many women continue to experience pain throughout pregnancy and even after childbirth. This study will evaluate whether a structured program of adapted physical activity, with additional individualized pelvic floor rehabilitation when needed, can reduce pelvic girdle pain and improve function during pregnancy. The intervention consists of weekly 60-minute sessions of adapted physical activity, led by a pelvic health physiotherapist, from inclusion until 36-38 weeks of gestation. The exercises focus on lumbopelvic stability, mobility, strengthening, and safe aerobic activity. If a participant presents with pelvic floor dysfunction, individualized rehabilitation may be added in parallel. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (adapted physical activity ± pelvic floor rehabilitation) or a control group. The control group will receive standard pregnancy follow-up care plus a validated flyer with international recommendations on physical activity during pregnancy but without supervised sessions. The primary outcomes are pain intensity and functional impact of PGP, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ). Secondary outcomes include self-reported physical activity, pelvic symptoms, pelvic floor function, adherence to the intervention, and acceptability of the program. A total of 40 pregnant women will be enrolled at Hospital La Tour in Geneva, Switzerland. Assessments will take place at three time points: inclusion (≤27 weeks of gestation), late pregnancy (36-38 weeks), and 3 months after delivery. The study is expected to provide new evidence on the benefits of integrating pelvic floor functionality into physical activity programs for pregnant women with PGP. If effective, this approach could inform clinical practice and improve care for women during pregnancy

WOMENinMOTION An Intervention Model for Pelvic Girdle Pain

The overall aim is to educate women to handle common pregnancy-related pain experiences to facilitate healthy life-long physical activity habits and prevent chronic pain. Our developed WOMENinMOTION model with person-centred preventions and interventions focused on management of pain components added to usual care, will be evaluated in a randomized control study against usual care. Data and method The model WOMENinMOTION is built on pain education and management of the sensory, emotional, and cognitive components of pain. Through pain management and motivation, pregnant women are guided to choose personal tools for health-promoting physical activity and adaptation of daily activities. Instructive films of exercises, pelvic belt application, and knowledge to meet worries are provided digitally. When the digital content is insufficient, the model is supported by physiotherapist. Plan for project realisation WOMENinMOTION developed in collaboration with women with PGP, will be pilot tested including analysis of focus groups interviews 2024. The model is evaluated by self-reported questionnaires in a multicenter randomised controlled trial 2025-27 with primary outcomes: physical activity, function and health in gestational week 35, 4 months, 1 and 2 years after birth. Secondary outcomes is PGP prevalence, satisfaction with care, and health economy.

Impact of Delivery Mode on Coccydynia, Pelvic Girdle Pain and Rectus Diastasis in Postpartum Females

This comparative observational study investigates the impact of delivery mode vaginal delivery versus cesarean section on the prevalence and severity of three postpartum musculoskeletal complications: coccydynia, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and rectus diastasis (RD). Conducted on postpartum females aged 20-40 years within 6 weeks to 6 months after childbirth, the study aims to highlight musculoskeletal outcomes often overlooked in standard postpartum care.

Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% of pregnant women and up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP. Central (nervous system) sensitization that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation. The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Measurements of central sensitization will be done on two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Screening for Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

To perform clinical manual pain provocation tests of the pelvic joints in pain free pregnant women early in pregnancy, follow them until delivery, and compare those who develop PPGP with those who don't.

Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnancy Pelvic Girdle Pain

It has not been objectively clarified how the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) changes the biomechanical adaptations that occur in the lumbopelvic region during pregnancy and whether it is associated with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of TLF, which adapts to the changes in the lumbopelvic region in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain, and to investigate its relationship with PGP.