《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》

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Resistance Training Combined with Aerobic Training for Pregnancy-related Low Back Pain

MAO Li-wei1, ZHAO Meng-fei1, WANG Jing-jing2, WANG Lei1   

  1. 1. The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China; 2.Department of Rehabilitation, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China
  • Published:2016-07-25 Online:2016-09-22

Abstract: Objective To explore the safety and efficacy of resistance training (RT) and aerobic exercise (AT) for low back pain during pregnancy. Methods From June to October, 2015, 34 women gestated 20-23 weeks with low back pain accepted resistance training and aerobic gymnastics exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. They were measured with blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), and assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after treatment. They were investigated the injury and symptoms with questionnaire. Results No musculoskeletal injuries and groin bleeding occurred. Symptoms, such as dizziness and pelvic pain were infrequent (1.5%). The BMI increased (t=-5.791, P<0.001) and the blood pressure did not obviously change (t=1.441, P=0.159). The muscle strength (t=-5.081, P<0.001) and endurance (t=-5.019, P<0.001) increased, and the scores of VAS (t=-5.179, P<0.001), ODI (t=-5.206, P<0.001) and SAS (t=-5.024, P<0.001) significantly improved after treatment. Conclusion The resistance training combined with aerobic training program during pregnancy is safe and efficacious for pregnant women with low back pain.

Key words: low back pain, pregnancy, resistance training, aerobic training