The effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for Pregnancy-Related lumbopelvic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background: Lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is common during pregnancy. However, there is a lack of strong systematic reviews summarizing the evidence on conservative care.
Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions compared to standard obstetric care (SOC) or other treatments for physical function, pain intensity, and quality of life in pregnant women with LPP.
Methods: Medline, Emcare, Embase, AMED, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating physiotherapy interventions for pregnancy-related LPP. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2, and evidence was summarized using the GRADE framework. When appropriate, a meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the available evidence.
Results: Thirty-one trials were included (n = 3279 screened): 23 investigated exercise, 7 manual therapy, 3 electrophysical modalities, and 2 education. Exercise was not better than SOC for the short-term pain (low certainty evidence, MD = -18.80, 95 % CI -45.97 to 8.33), but was superior at 6-12 weeks (moderate certainty evidence, MD = -25.84, 95 % CI -35.04 to -16.64). After a sensitivity analysis, exercise significantly improved physical function compared to SOC at 0-5 weeks (low certainty evidence, SMD= -0.65 95 % CI -1.25 to -0.04). Exercise was superior to SOC at 6-12 weeks (very-low certainty evidence, SMD= -2.79 95 % CI -4.64 to -0.95).
Conclusion: Exercise…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,279 participants or records.
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