Effects of Upper Back Strengthening and Postural Correction on Pain, Functional Status and Sleep Quality in Females With Costal Rib Pain in 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Brief Summary

Detailed Description

Costal rib pain is very common in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40). After excluding other serious conditions, this condition can also be diagnosed as intercostal myalgia, costochondritis or muscular strain. There are a lot of causes which can result in costal rib pain such as ribs flaring, hormonal changes, increase in the breast size, inflammation of the ribs cartilage and the stretch on intercostal muscles. It can thus result in pain and discomfort due to which the pregnant females find it difficult to sleep at night and also have functional limitations. The prevalence rate of upper back and costal rib pain in pregnancy is almost 47%. The findings of this study can help physiotherapists to manage the costal rib pain in pregnancy more effectively. This will add valuable knowledge to provide the patients with non-invasive and non-pharmacological options for management of costal rib pain. There are different structured program with exercises for flexibility, balance and strengthening for the majority of skeletal muscles specifically for the spinal ones, between the 24th and 36th week of pregnancy. Strengthening exercises centered on the trunk reduce pain, improve Quality of life and Physical health in late pregnancy and at two months in the postpartum period. Strengthening exercises also ease the delivery. Upper back strengthening will involve exercises with light-to-moderate load of free weights (body weight or resistance bands) or with stability ball. Postural correction will involve maintaining the correct posture. Soft tissue mobilization, chest muscle stretch, trunk muscle stretch and diaphragmatic breathing exercises were incorporated as baseline exercises in both groups.

Primary Outcomes