Effect of specific exercise program augmented by pelvic support belts on symphysis pubis dysfunction / Doaa Mohamed Mostafa Yakout ; Supervised Khadija Sayed Abdelaziz , Hanaa Abdelmoneim Younis , Wafaa Mohammad Kamal

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background: Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a relatively common and debilitating condition affecting pregnant women. It is painful and can cause significant decrease in quality of life. SPD occurs when symphysis pubis joint is apparently not working as it should be, which led to instability of the pelvic girdle. Purpose of the study: To determine the effect of specific exercise program augmented by pelvic support belts on symphysis pubis dysfunction in pregnant women. Methods: Thirty pregnant women suffering from symphysis pubis dysfunction participated in this study. Pregnant women were assigned into two equal groups equal in number; Group A (The study group) which had specific exercise program augmented by pelvic support belts and Group B (The control group). Assessment was done for pain, dysfunction and diastasis of symphysis pubis. Data of visual analogue scale (VAS), oswestry disability Index (ODI), and ultrasonography were collected from each woman pre and post treatment. Results: The results showed significant improvement in pain intensity, functional disability in the Group A compared with Group B. Conclusion: It can be concluded that specific exercise program and pelvic support belts are effective physical therapy methods for treating symphysis pubis dysfunction in pregnant women and should be recommended in antenatal physical therapy program

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