Actively Recruiting
In the Joints or in the Brain? Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women and Its Role in Pain, Physical Activity, Functioning and Health Following Pregnancy
Led by Göteborg University · Updated on 2025-04-01
144
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
G
Göteborg University
Lead Sponsor
V
Vastra Gotaland Region
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) affects about half of pregnant women and can persist as chronic pain in 10% of women up to 11 years after pregnancy. This research aims to explore how central sensitization, a nervous system process that increases pain sensitivity, relates to PGP during pregnancy and its impact on physical activity, functioning, and overall health. The study includes two groups: pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls, to understand early signs of chronic pain development. Participants will be pregnant women aged 18 or older in gestational weeks 20 to 30, either experiencing PGP or healthy without pain. The study measures central sensitization using patient pain drawings and tests involving pain modulation with an algometer and occlusion cuff. These assessments will occur at baseline and repeated at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery to track changes over time. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires on physical activity, pelvic pain, functioning, quality of life, work ability, pain levels, concerns, and postnatal depression at the same time points. The research team will monitor how central sensitization relates to these outcomes and observe participants' health over a year postpartum. The study is observational and includes healthy volunteers, with no treatment interventions involved.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Pregnant (first time pregnant or previous pregnancy experience)
- 18 years of age or older
- Single fetus pregnancy
- In gestational weeks 20 to 30
- Able to read and understand Swedish or English
You will not qualify if you...
- History of fracture or malignant disease in back, pelvis, pelvic floor, or hips
- Systemic disease of musculoskeletal or nervous system
- Diseases such as gestational diabetes, diabetes type 1 or 2, or hypertension
- Obstetric complications
- Contraindications for study tests
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 10 weeks
Participants undergo measurements to assess central sensitization and related factors during pregnancy between gestational weeks 20 to 30.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months after delivery
Participants are monitored for changes in central sensitization, physical activity, functioning, and health up to 12 months after delivery.
3 visits (at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Närhälsan Gibraltargatan
Gothenburg, Sweden, 43654
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Annelie Gutke, associate professor
S
Sonia Coelho Cristovao, PhD-student
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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