Comparative Effects of Kegel Versus Clamshell Exercises on Low Back Pain in Women With Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Clinical Trial

University of Faisalabad30 enrolled

Overview

Uterine fibroids represent a significant health concern for many women of reproductive age. Common symptoms include a tilted pelvis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and lower back pain (LBP). Nonspecific LBP is particularly prevalent among individuals aged 30 to 50 years, and it is one of the major symptoms experienced by women with uterine fibroids. Exercise therapy has been shown to be an effective approach for managing this condition. In particular, Kegel exercises and Clamshell exercises have emerged as promising options. Kegel exercises primarily focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, while Clamshell exercises target the pelvic region and play a vital role in alleviating LBP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kegel exercises and Clamshell exercises in reducing lower back pain in women with uterine fibroids.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Low Back Pain Uterine Fibroids (UF)

Interventions

Clamshell Exercise GroupPROCEDURE

The patient was positioned in a side-lying posture with both knees flexed at 90 degrees. One hand was placed on the hip for stability, while the other supported the head. The therapist, standing nearby, instructed the patient to lift the top knee as high as comfortably possible while keeping the feet together. The position was held for 3 to 5 seconds, after which the knee was slowly lowered back to the starting position.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 30 YearsMax age: 50 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 30-50 years * Chronic low back pain for the last 6 months * History of dysmenorrhea * Able to perform exercise independently * Not undergoing other treatments for treating LBP * Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of any surgery or trauma in last 3 months * Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) * Any neurological issue * History of any form of cancer * History of recent abortion in the previous 3 months * Cardiac or renal diseases that affect the exercise participation of the patient

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Back Pain

Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) is a tool used for measuring pain intensity in which individuals rate their pain from 0 to 10. 0 represents no pain while 10 represents the worst pain. It can be used in verbal, visual or written forms.

Time frame: 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Functional Disability

Oswestry disability index (ODI) is a questionnaire designed to assess disability level in patients with LBP. It consists of 10 sections with 6 questions, each section is scored from 0-5, higher the score greater the disability.