Effects of exercise therapy for pregnancy-related low back pain and pelvic pain: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related low back pain (PLPB) and pelvic pain (PP) are common in pregnancy. In spite of its high prevalence rate, treatment of the disorder is a challenging topic. Women commonly utilize complementary exercise therapies such as yoga, motor control exercises, breathing exercises, core stability exercise, pelvic stability exercise, and so on to manage their symptoms. However, it is currently unknown whether exercise produces more beneficial effects than other treatment in patients with PLPB and PP. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic effect of exercise for pregnancy-related low back pain and PP. METHODS: This review will only include randomized controlled trials. Published articles from July 1999 to July 2019 will be identified using electronic searches. Search strategy will be performed in 3 English databases, 1 Chinese database, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Two reviewers will screen, select studies, extract data, and assess quality independently. The methodological quality including the risk of bias of the included studies will be evaluated using a modified assessment form, which is based on Cochrane assessment tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Review Manager Software (Revman5.3) will be used for heterogeneity assessment, generating funnel-plots, data synthesis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis. We will use GRADE system to evaluate the quality of our evidence. RESULTS: We will provide some more practical and targeted results investigating the effect of exercise therapy (ET) for PLPB and PP in the current meta-analysis. Meanwhile, we will ascertain study progress of ET for PLPB and PP and find out defects or inadequacies of previous studies, so that future researchers could get beneficial guidance for more rigorous study. CONCLUSION: The stronger evidence about PLPB and PPs rehabilitative effect and safety will be provided for clinicians and policymakers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD 42017075099.