Investigation of Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Thoracolumbar Fascia in Pregnant Women With Pelvic Girdle Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), a connective tissue in the lower back, changes during pregnancy and how these changes relate to pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The study aims to understand the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of TLF in pregnant women with and without PGP, as well as in non-pregnant women, to clarify the connection between TLF adaptations and pelvic pain. The study includes three groups: pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain, pregnant women without pelvic girdle pain, and non-pregnant women. Researchers will measure the biomechanical properties of TLF, such as stiffness, tone, and relaxation, at baseline and again at 12 and 22 weeks. They will also assess pain severity using the Visual Analog Scale, apply pelvic girdle diagnostic tests, and collect data through questionnaires like the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire. Participants will undergo evaluations including biomechanical measurements taken in a prone position from three points on the TLF, pain assessments, and diagnostic tests to identify PGP. Body weight and body mass index will be tracked at the same intervals. The primary outcomes focus on changes in stiffness, tone, and viscoelastic properties of TLF, while secondary outcomes include pain levels and activity limitations. The study is observational and led by Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

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