Project R-13800

Can we prevent pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain? The role of proprioceptive, fear-related and inflammatory determinants. (PROFit Multi study) (Research)

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PLPP) affects 50-90% of pregnant women, and is therefore often dismissed as a normal part of pregnancy. However, its consequences can be dramatic. A significant part of women with PLPP develop persistent postpartum pain, and 10% continues to report disability, a poorer quality of life and a lower ability to work 11 years later. Because the multifactorial etiology of PLPP remains unclear, prevention and treatment often fall short. This prospective cohort study will identify new risk factors for ZLPP during pregnancy and postpartum. We examine women who are pregnant with their second (or more) child (i.e. multiparous). Specifically, we will compare postural control (including proprioception), anxiety-related factors (e.g. fear of movement), and inflammatory factors between women with and without ZLPP. In addition, we will investigate whether these factors predict ZLPP during pregnancy and postpartum. The results will help optimize the prevention and treatment of ZLPP.

01 October 2023 - 30 September 2027