Water aerobics reduces sick leave due to low back pain during pregnancy

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Granath, Aina B.;Hellgren, Margareta S.E.;Gunnarsson, Ronny K.
Ronny Gunnarsson
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a land-based, physical exercise program versus water aerobics on low back or pelvic pain and sick leave during pregnancy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Three antenatal care centers. PARTICIPANTS: 390 healthy pregnant women. INTERVENTIONS: A land-based physical exercise program or water aerobic once a week during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sick leave, pregnancy-related low back pain or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, or both. RESULTS: Water aerobics diminished pregnancy-related low back pain (p=.04) and sick leave due to pregnancy-related low back pain (p=.03) more than a land-based physical exercise program. CONCLUSIONS: Water aerobics can be recommended for the treatment of low back pain during pregnancy. The benefits of a land-based physical exercise program are questionable and further evaluation is needed.

Journal

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing

Publication Name

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing

Volume

35

ISBN/ISSN

1552-6909

Edition

N/A

Issue

4

Pages Count

7

Location

N/A

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1111/j.1552-6909.2006.00066.x