The relationship between the daily step counts and low back pain during pregnancy

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between the change of daily step counts and low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. Materials and METHODS Pregnant women at less than eight weeks of gestation (WG) were recruited. Daily step counts were measured with a pedometer. To assess LBP, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was recorded. Thirty-six individuals were divided into the LBP and non-LBP groups. The effect of step counts on LBP between the two groups was analyzed. RESULTS At 16-19 WG, step counts were not considerably changed in the non-LBP group but were significantly increased in the LBP group. At 24-27 and 32-35 WG, step counts were increased in the non-LBP group but were significantly decreased in the LBP group. CONCLUSIONS Acute increase of daily step counts in early pregnancy is a risk for LBP, and gradual increases of step counts after mid-pregnancy is recommended for women.