Effect of Direct Myofascial Release Technique Combined With Exercise on Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

Beni-Suef University70 enrolled

Overview

Study's objective is to explore effect of combining direct myofascial release technique with therapeutic exercises on decreasing round ligament pain during pregnancy.The main question to be answered by this study: Does a myofascial release technique combined with exercise have effect on round ligament pain during pregnancy? Researchers will compare 2 groups of 70 participants of multi para pregnant women at 24 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with round ligament pain . Group A (study group) included participants who joined a six-week physiotherapy plan of care in the form of sessions composed of direct myofascial release technique combined with specific therapeutic exercise as well as put on a belly band and received advice. While, group B involved control participants who followed the routine care and advice as well as wearing the same belly band as group A participants.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pregnancy Complications

Interventions

Round ligament release technique was conducted first from left side lying position followed by right side lying position with a pillow between knees and another pillow supported head, determining round ligament as a fibromuscular cordlike structure in lower abdomen particularly at the area of the Inguinal Canal between Anterior Superior Iliac Spine and 2-3 cm laterally from Symphysis Pubis.12 Then, therapist applied very gentle sustained pressure with minor traction to restricted part of round ligament for 90 to 120 seconds according to patient's tolerance followed by release for 3 minutes.As well as, group of therapeutic exercises.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 70 multipara pregnant women at 24 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with round ligament pain were included. Their ages ranged from 25-35 years and their body mass index (BMI) did not exceed 30 kg/m2. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants were excluded from the study if round ligament pain was accompanied by cramping, vaginal bleeding, fever, nausea, vomiting, or any changes in vaginal discharge as well as patients diagnosed with preterm labor, placental abruption, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, cardiac diseases, chronic physical or mental disorders, or failed to complete an informed consent.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pelvic Inclination Angle

Pelvic inclination or pelvic tilting angle was measured in sagittal plane between a horizontal line and a line bifurcating the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine and Posterior Superior Iliac Spine for all participants by using Palpation Meter Inclinometer at the start and the end of the study.

Time frame: 4 months