WOMENinMOTION An intervention model for pelvic girdle pain to acquire health-promoting habits in pregnancy and prevent chronic pain in women

Research problem and specific questionsThe overall aim is to educate women to handle common pregnancy-related pain experiences to facilitate healthy life-long physical activity habits and prevent chronic pain.Our developed WOMENinMOTION model with person-centred preventions and interventions focused on management of pain components added to usual care, will be evaluated in a randomized control study against usual care.Pregnancy, a period when women are both exposed to pain but also extra receptive for health-promoting habits, is used as a window of opportunity to prevent the dramatic decline in physical activity during pregnancy.

A common reason is low back pain, more specifically pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Fifty percent of pregnant women suffer from PGP; 10% still 11-years after pregnancy.

PGP has high impact on daily activities and work ability.Data and methodThe model WOMENinMOTION is built on pain education and management of the sensory, emotional, and cognitive components of pain.

Through pain management and motivation, pregnant women are guided to choose personal tools for health-promoting physical activity and adaptation of daily activities. Instructive films of exercises, pelvic belt application, and knowledge to meet worries are provided digitally.

When the digital content is insufficient, the model is supported by physiotherapist.Plan for project realisationWOMENinMOTION developed in collaboration with women with PGP, will be pilot tested including analysis of focus groups interviews 2023.

The model is evaluated by self-reported questionnaires in a multicenter randomised controlled trial 2024-25 with primary outcomes: physical activity, function and health in gestational week 35, 4 months, 1 and 2-years after birth. Secondary outcomes is PGP prevalence, satisfaction with care, and health economy.

Salary for PhDstudent, physiotherapist and recruiting midwives is sought.RelevanceLow back pain is the number one cause of disability globally where PGP is an important subgroup.

Pain education and management of common pain experiences like PGP, may facilitate a health-promoting level of physical activity, which may prevent loss in muscular capacity and decrease development of chronic pain. Virtually all pregnant women are reached at enrollment to maternal care.

More equival maternal care than today for women non-speaking Swedish, can be achieved by WOMENinMOTION digitally in chosen language.