The Effects of Posture Correction Exercises and Soft Tissue Mobilization on Reducing Shoulder and Neck Pain in Breastfeeding Mothers
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Sponsor
- Superior University
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Breastfeeding, though essential for the nourishment and development of newborns, often imposes significant musculoskeletal strain on mothers, particularly in the neck and shoulder regions. Prolonged static postures, repetitive feeding routines, and improper ergonomic positions contribute to mechanical stress, leading to chronic discomfort or pain during the postpartum period Postnatal women frequently assume awkward positions while nursing, such as forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and spinal flexion, which contribute to musculoskeletal dysfunctions . The cumulative load on the musculoskeletal and fascial systems during breastfeeding leads to muscle imbalances, myofascial tightness, and trigger point development.
Detailed Description
Current physiotherapy interventions emphasize posture education, ergonomic training, and targeted exercises to mitigate this pain. Posture correction exercises aim to improve alignment, decrease strain on muscles and joints, and enhance motor control in the upper quarter . Soft tissue moblization a manual therapy technique targeting fascial layers, has also shown promising results in improving mobility, reducing trigger point activity, and decreasing referred pain.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Health Services Research
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 20 Years to 40 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Postpartum period of up to 12 months
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of trauma or cervical disc pathology
- •Neurological disorders
- •Previous musculoskeletal surgeries
Arms & Interventions
Shoulder and Neck Strengthening + Postural Correction Exercises
Intervention: Shoulder and Neck Strengthening + Postural Correction Exercises (Combination Product)
Shoulder and Neck Strengthening + soft tissue mobilization
Intervention: Shoulder and Neck Strengthening + soft tissue mobilization (Combination Product)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time Frame: 6 Month
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an 11-point scale used to measure pain intensity, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable).
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time Frame: 6 Months
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a questionnaire used to assess how neck pain affects a person's daily life and disability. It consists of 10 items, each scored on a 0-5 scale, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates greater perceived disability due to neck pain
Breastfeeding self efficacy scale
Time Frame: 6 months
All items are preceded by the phrase ''I can always'' and rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not at all confident) to 5 (always confident). Total scores range from 14 to 70, with higher scores reflecting more significant levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Muhammad Naveed Babur
Principal Investigator
Superior University