Prática de atividade física e dor lombar em gestantes da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015.

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) affects 2/3 of women in their gestational period. Intervention studies using physical exercise have shown inconsistent results regarding either treatment, or prevention of LBP during pregnancy. However, there are a lack of studies at a population level investigating the effects of physical activity in LBP outcomes in pregnant women. Similarly, there is no data on literature regarding the influence of work-related activities on LBP development in a pregnant population. Aims: To investigate whether engagement of physical activity prior to or during pregnancy, is associated with LBP outcomes during pregnancy and at post-partum period. The second aim is to investigate whether work-related activities are related to self-reported LBP during pregnancy. Methods: This study used data from the 2015 Birth Cohort Study of Pelotas, Brazil. Demographic, gestational, work-related (days of work, hours of work, standing and heavy lifting) and behavior (leisure-time physical activity, prior to and during pregnancy) data were collected at perinatal assessment. Data on LBP outcomes (self-reported LBP, pain intensity, disability, care seeking and post-partum LBP) were collected at 12-month assessment. Linear regression models were performed for numerical outcomes, and logistic models for dichotomous outcomes. Results: Engagement in physical activity either before or during pregnancy were not associated with self-reported LBP, pain intensity, care seeking during pregnancy, and LBP post-partum. However, engagement in physical activity during pregnancy were associated with disability related to LBP during pregnancy (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.41 – 0.88). Regarding work-related activities, work more than 8 hours per day was associated with self-reported LBP during pregnancy (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.07 – 1.88). Conclusion: Women who meet the recommended level of physical activity during pregnancy have less disability related to LBP. Moreover, pregnant women who are physically active can perform their daily life activities more easily than non-active pregnant women. On the other hand, work more than 8 hours per day could increase women`s chance of develop LBP during pregnancy.