Investigating factors affecting pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women

The Role of Lumbar Proprioceptive Deficits, Psychosocial Factors and Inflammation in Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain: a Follow-up Study in Multiparous Pregnant Women

Not applicable Interventional Hasselt University · NCT04226716

This study is trying to see how balance, body awareness, and mental health affect pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women who have had children before.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment192 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorHasselt University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hasselt)
Trial IDNCT04226716 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between proprioceptive deficits, body perception, and psychosocial factors in relation to pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) in multiparous women. It will assess postural control and the persistence of PPGP during different stages of pregnancy and postpartum. The research focuses on understanding how these factors contribute to the development and continuation of pain, which affects a significant number of women. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their postural control and psychosocial well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are multiparous women who are currently pregnant with their second child or more, and who have not experienced pelvic girdle pain during their current pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently experiencing pelvic girdle pain or have had it during their current pregnancy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, there is existing literature on the impact of psychosocial factors on pain, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Multiparous Women:

* Singleton pregnancy
* Pregnant of second child or more than second child
* No current PPGP or did not have PPGP during current pregnancy
* Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria Multiparous Women:

* Pregnant for more than 16 weeks
* Having current PPGP or having had PPGP during the current pregnancy
* History of surgery/major trauma to spine or pelvis
* Surgery/physical trauma to the lower limbs more than two years ago and currently still experiencing symptoms such as pain, instability, or stiffness
* Surgery/physical trauma to the lower limbs less than two years ago
* Specific balance or vestibular disorders
* A medical diagnosis of a rheumatic condition or being under treatment for such a condition by a rheumatologist
* Neurological abnormalities (e.g., peripheral neuropathy)
* Uncorrected visual problems
* Acute ankle problems
* Being on absolute or relative bed rest due to pregnancy-related complications
* Having (had) a formal diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder
* Non-Dutch speaking

Inclusion Criteria Nulliparous Women:

* Age- and BMI- matched to pregnant participants
* Nulliparous
* Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria Nulliparous Women:

* Having low back or pelvic girdle pain at the time of inclusion or in the six months leading up to inclusion
* History of chronic low back or pelvic girdle pain
* History of surgery/major trauma to spine, pelvis and/or lower limbs,
* Specific balance or vestibular disorders
* Spinal deformities
* Rheumatic disease
* Neurological abnormalities
* Acute ankle problems
* (A history of) psychiatric disorders
* Uncorrected visual problems
* Non-Dutch speaking

Where this trial is running

Hasselt

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pelvic Girdle PainLow Back PainPostural controlBody perceptionPsychosocial factorsInflammation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.