Management of Chronic Post-partum Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Management of Post-partum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): A Replicated Single Case Series Study Investigating the Effectiveness of a Customised Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses (DEFO)

• IRAS ID

  177493

• Contact name

  L Cameron

• Contact email

  lee.cameron@plymouth.ac.uk

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 2 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) occurs in 70% of pregnant women; of whom 25% have severe pain and 8% severe disability requiring the use of crutches, wheelchair or confinement to bed. PGP is difficult to manage; activities such as turning in bed, prolonged walking, or carrying items may cause pain; impacting negatively on quality of life. In most women PGP symptoms resolve within 3 months of delivery, however for 33% to 38% of females PGP continues for at least 3 months post partum. It is unknown why symptoms persist but age, parity, pre-pregnancy-BMI and previous PGP have been identified as risk factors associated with chronic PGP, along with emotional and psychosocial factors. Elective caesareans are also believed to be a factor in the chronicity of PGP.
  This single case study series will aim to recruit 8 participants. Following written consent each participant will be screened by the principal investigator (pain referral map and pain provocation tests). Baseline demographic data (age, parity, mode of delivery, duration of symptoms, BMI) will also be collected. Eligible participants will then be randomised to complete either 8, 9 or 10 baseline questionnaire booklets (1 per week for 8, 9 or 10 weeks - baseline phase). Following the completion of the baseline questionnaire booklets the participant will receive a customised DEFO along with standardised PGP management advice, and will then complete a remaining 8, 9 or 10 questionnaire booklets (1 per week for 8,9 or 10 weeks). The questionnaire booklet will be completed weekly and will contain the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (0-10), Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (activity/disability), SF-36 and EQ-5D(quality of life). Should they wish, participants are able to keep the DEFO at the end of the study.

• REC name

  South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/SW/0160

• Date of REC Opinion

  29 Jul 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion