The Effectiveness of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions Upon Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ioannis Koukoulithras, Alexandra Stamouli, Spyridon Kolokotsios, Minas Plexousakis, Christine Mavrogiannopoulou
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: test were used to determine the heterogeneity between studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out. The aim was to compare the effectiveness between various methods and the typical care provided on low back pain during pregnancy. Results: From all the articles found in the mentioned databases only 13 studies met the criteria. In these studies, exercise, manipulation, ear acupuncture, Kinesio tape, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and neuroemotional technique were the interventions used. In the meta-analysis, six studies with 693 participants were included. The interventions were found to have in total a statistically significant effect on low back pain in comparison with the control group that included the typical care provided to pregnant women (95%CI: 0.08 (0.02,0.31), p<0,01) and they had a high heterogeneity (considerable, Tau² = 2.70; Chi² = 64.11, I² = 91%). Exercise and TENS were determined as more effective than the other types of interventions. CONCLUSIONS: TENS and progressive muscle relaxation exercises accompanied by music were found to be the most effective interventions. Although exercise decreased LBP it was not found to have a statistically significant result even though it seems to improve the disability and quality of life of pregnant women. Osteopathic manual treatment (OMT), Kinesio tape, and ear acupuncture affected the lumbar pain intensity but the difference compared to typical care or sham treatment was not statistically significant, while yoga did not improve pregnancy-related LBP. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the interventions mentioned.