Exercise and Lumbopelvic Mobility in Pregnancy

Introduction. Pregnancy-induced biomechanical alterations frequently precipitate lumbopelvic mobility restrictions, contributing to musculoskeletal dysfunction and compromised maternal quality of life. This investigation evaluated whether a structured therapeutic exercise rehabilitation protocol could counteract gestational mobility decline and enhance lumbopelvic range of motion in second-trimester pregnant women through targeted neuromuscular conditioning. Methods. A randomized controlled trial enrolled 50 pregnant women (gestational age mean±standard deviation (range): 22±5 (14 -31) weeks) allocated to experimental (n=25) or control (n=25) groups. The experimental group completed a six-week progressive resistance exercise rehabilitation program (36 supervised sessions) targeting lumbopelvic stabilizers, paraspinal musculature, and hip girdle complexes. Primary outcomes comprised eight goniometrically assessed range of motion parameters across sagittal (ie.; lumbar flexion and extension), frontal (ie.; lumbar right and left lateral flexion), and transverse (ie.; right and left axial rotation) anatomical planes, anterior and posterior pelvic tilt. Secondary outcomes comprised back and pelvic pain. All outcomes were measured at baseline, midintervention (week 3), and postintervention (week 6). Percentage changes between postintervention and baseline were calculated.