Physical Activity and Yoga-Based Approaches for Pregnancy-Related Low Back and Pelvic Pain.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an integrative review to evaluate current literature about nonpharmacologic, easily accessible management strategies for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain (PR-LBPP).

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

STUDY SELECTION: Original research articles were considered for review if they were full-length publications written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals from 2005 through 2015, included measures of pain and symptoms related to PR-LBPP, and evaluated treatment modalities that used a physical exercise or yoga-based approach for the described conditions.

DATA EXTRACTION: Electronic database searches yielded 1,435 articles. A total of 15 articles met eligibility criteria for further review.

DATA SYNTHESIS: These modalities show preliminary promise for pain relief and other related symptoms, including stress and depression. However, our findings also indicate several gaps in knowledge about these therapies for PR-LBPP and methodologic issues with the current literature.

CONCLUSION

Although additional research is required, the results of this integrative review suggest that clinicians may consider recommending nonpharmacologic treatment options, such as gentle physical activity and yoga-based interventions, for PR-LBPP and related symptoms.