Project R-9755

Improving maternal health by identifying and tackling predictive factors for the development of low back pain during pregnancy and postpartum (Research)

Low back pain, an extremely common symptom and the main cause of disability worldwide, affects women more than men. The increased prevalence in women is often accumulated by the high prevalence of pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP). Up to 86% of pregnant women develop PLBP, with more than 50% reporting recurrences during subsequent pregnancies, and 10% experiencing serious consequences that persist for several years postpartum. To efficiently prevent (recurrences of) PLBP and to reduce negative long-term effects on maternal health, more research into the underlying mechanisms of PLBP is urgently needed. Alterations in standing postural control have been observed frequently in the general population with LBP independent of pregnancy. Moreover, women with persistent PLBP postpartum more often report disturbances in body perception and fear of movement, factors previously linked to persistent LBP in the general population. However, alterations in proprioception, a primary sense for postural control, and body perception, and the association with PLBP have not been investigated yet during pregnancy and postpartum. Therefore, this project will study whether changes in proprioception related to postural control, body perception, and fear of movement are predictive for developing persistent PLBP during pregnancy and postpartum. These findings will be used to optimize preventative and curative strategies for PLBP and to improve maternal health.

01 September 2019 - 31 December 2021