The effect of physical activity level and posture onlumbopelvic pain and quality of life in pregnancy

More than half of pregnant women complain of low back pain at any stage of their pregnancy. The pain can start with a slight discomfort and be of different intensities, which can cause disability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of changes in physical activity level and posture of pregnant women on lumbopelvic pain and quality of life in different pregnancy periods. The study was completed with 60 pregnant women aged between 18-41 years, conducted between August 2020 and September 2021. Sociodemographic and obstetric histories were recorded. To determine the physical activity level of pregnant women; Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), To assess Posture; New York Posture Assessment Test (NYDP), To assess Lumbopelvic pain: Low Back and Pelvis Pain Assessment Form (Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire Form), To assess quality of life; The Nottingham Health Profile Form (NSPF) was used. In cases where the assumption of normal distribution is provided in the analysis of the data, whether there is a statistically significant difference between the measurement times in the comparison of quantitative data, with repeated measurements ANOVA; Friedman test was used in cases where there was no normal distribution. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between low back pain and the first and second parts of the Nottingham Health Profile in all three trimesters (p<0.01: r=0.330). It was determined that there was no statistically significant relationship between low back pain and New York Posture Assessment in all three trimesters (p>0.01: r=0.062). It was determined that there was no statistically significant relationship between total activity in all three trimesters and Oswestry low back pain scale (p>0.01: r=0.179). There was a statistically significant difference between Total Activity (PPAQ) and Nottingham Health Profile first part and second part. No relationship was found. (p>0.01: r=0.104). It was determined that there was no statistically significant relationship between total activity and posture assessment scale in all three trimesters (p>0.01: r=-0.117). As a result, as the pregnancy progresses, physical inactivity, postural problems, and lumbopelvic pain increase. These negative changes reduce the quality of life of pregnant women. There is a need for studies with larger samples on the subject. Key words: Pregnancy; Physical Activity Level; Posture; Lumbopelvic Pain; Life quality.