Abstract
Introduction
Chronic pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) affects approximately 10-30% of postpartum women. PPGP is typically recalcitrant to standard care. A dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) is one option to manage PPGP. A feasibility RCT (fRCT) was undertaken with participants randomised to control (advice and exercise (standard care)) or intervention (standard care and DEFO). Interventions were delivered remotely with data collection via a web-based app.
Methods
An embedded qualitative sub-study involved online, semi-structured interviews with seven participants and five clinicians to explore the experience of participating in the fRCT. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Four main themes were identified: “acceptability of trial methods”, “intervention acceptability”, “impact of intervention” and “adherence to exercise”. Data collection methods and remote delivery of the trial were acceptable; however, women and physiotherapists would have preferred at least one face-to-face intervention session. The DEFO was acceptable to women, providing them with a sense of support “holding them together”. They felt it increased awareness of their ability to move, enabling them to be more physically active. Physiotherapists’ felt the range of available exercises was restrictive. Physiotherapists and participants found the advice acceptable but with room for development. Participants struggled to maintain adherence to the prescribed exercise programme over the 24-week period.
Conclusions
The remote trial procedures and interventions were generally acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists, supporting the overall trial design and implementation. The participant’s experiences and suggestions will be considered in the design and delivery of a future definitive trial.
Chronic pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) affects approximately 10-30% of postpartum women. PPGP is typically recalcitrant to standard care. A dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) is one option to manage PPGP. A feasibility RCT (fRCT) was undertaken with participants randomised to control (advice and exercise (standard care)) or intervention (standard care and DEFO). Interventions were delivered remotely with data collection via a web-based app.
Methods
An embedded qualitative sub-study involved online, semi-structured interviews with seven participants and five clinicians to explore the experience of participating in the fRCT. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Four main themes were identified: “acceptability of trial methods”, “intervention acceptability”, “impact of intervention” and “adherence to exercise”. Data collection methods and remote delivery of the trial were acceptable; however, women and physiotherapists would have preferred at least one face-to-face intervention session. The DEFO was acceptable to women, providing them with a sense of support “holding them together”. They felt it increased awareness of their ability to move, enabling them to be more physically active. Physiotherapists’ felt the range of available exercises was restrictive. Physiotherapists and participants found the advice acceptable but with room for development. Participants struggled to maintain adherence to the prescribed exercise programme over the 24-week period.
Conclusions
The remote trial procedures and interventions were generally acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists, supporting the overall trial design and implementation. The participant’s experiences and suggestions will be considered in the design and delivery of a future definitive trial.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2025 |
| Event | Canadian Pain Society Conference 2025 - Toronto, Canada Duration: 1 May 2025 → 4 May 2025 https://www.canadianpainsociety.ca/asm |
Conference
| Conference | Canadian Pain Society Conference 2025 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | CPS 2025 |
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Toronto |
| Period | 1/05/25 → 4/05/25 |
| Internet address |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Participants’ and physiotherapists’ views on the delivery of a randomised controlled feasibility trial investigating a bespoke dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis for women with chronic pelvic girdle pain: A qualitative exploration.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Student theses
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The role of a pelvic orthotic in the management of Chronic Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain: a feasibility study and validation of a novel body perception measure
Halliday, B. (Author), Freeman, J. (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Marsden, J. (Other Supervisor), 2025Student thesis: PhD
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