Effects of water and land based exercise programmes on women experiencing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: a randomized controlled feasibility study

Abstract

This study aimed to address whether a water exercise programme improves pain and quality of life in pregnant patients with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) compared to a land-based exercise programme and the feasibility of undertaking a large-scale research programme. Twenty-three participants with diagnosed PGP, recruited at St George’s Hospital London, were randomised into two groups (water or land exercise). Each group received, four, once-weekly exercise sessions on land or water. Exercise effects on PGP were measured using the Pelvic Girdle Pain Questionnaire (PGPQ) (primary outcome), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Patient Specific Functional Score (PSFS) and Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR). Quality of life was measured using the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post four weeks exercise. Results showed there was a clinically significant improvement shown in all outcome measures in the water group, compared to the land group. A statistical difference between groups was shown for ASLR (p=0.036), Positive Well-Being (p=0.000) and Fatigue levels (p=0.011). No statistical difference was shown for PGPQ (p=0.056), PSFS (p=0.530) and Psychological Distress (p=0.712) scores. Exercise in water appears to offer a clinical benefit for patients experiencing PGP compared to a land exercise, particularly with Fatigue, Positive Well-Being and ASLR scores. Statistical differences between groups are limited by small sample size and that no power calculation was used in this study. Methodology and results provide support for a larger study on this topic to provide more definitive conclusions to support the use of water-based therapy for PGP.