Effect of Combined Program of Electro Acupuncture With Exercise on Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy

Study's Objective: this study aimed to discover the effect of combining electroacupuncture with therapeutic exercises on of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy.A prospective randomized controlled trial that compared 2 groups of participants was executed. 60 primipara and multipara pregnant women at 25-28 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with symphysis pubis dysfunction were involved. Group A included participants who joined six-week physiotherapy sessions composed of electroacupuncture technique combined with relevant therapeutic exercise, wore a pelvic belt and received pieces of advice. While, group B involved control participants who followed the routine care and received advice as well as put on the same pelvic belt as group A participants.The intervention was associated with a statistically significant pain reduction and much less progression of inter-pubic gap widening among group A participants.In summary, electroacupuncture should be integrated into a multimodal care plan, combining stabilizing exercises and ergonomic advice, while adhering to the listed safety exclusions to improve quality of life for women suffering from symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy.

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy Complications Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Urogenital Diseases

Age range

25 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Beni-Suef University

Banī Suwayf, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

60 primipara and multipara pregnant women at 25-28 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with symphysis pubis dysfunction were involved. Their ages ranged from 25-40 years and their body mass index (BMI) did not surpass 35 kg/m2.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria included participants who were diagnosed with placenta previa, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or active preterm labor, as well as patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage, cervical insufficiency, or current multiple gestation.12,13 Additionally, patients with the presence of a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or seizure disorder because of electromagnetic interference and the potential to lower the seizure threshold.14 Cutaneous infection, severe edema, or dermatitis over the intended needling sites were also exclusion criteria, as they increase the likelihood of local complications and systemic spread of infection.15 Coagulopathies, thrombocytopenia, or current anticoagulant therapy represent absolute contraindications for electro acupuncture.16

Treatment and study plan

Electroacupuncture Technique and Stabilizing Exercises

Other

physiotherapy plan of care in the form of sessions composed of electroacupuncture technique combined with relevant therapeutic exercise, wore a pelvic belt and received pieces of advice.

Primary outcomes

Symphysis Pubis Width

Time frame: 4 months

It was described by inter-pubic gap space measured in millimetres by means of ultrasonically before and after 6 weeks of intervention procedure.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Beni-Suef University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Combined Program of Electro Acupuncture With Exercise on Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jul 22, 2026
Registry last updated: Jul 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed