Effect of Direct Myofascial Release Technique Combined With Exercise on Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

Study's objective is to explore effect of combining direct myofascial release technique with therapeutic exercises on decreasing round ligament pain during pregnancy.The main question to be answered by this study:

Does a myofascial release technique combined with exercise have effect on round ligament pain during pregnancy? Researchers will compare 2 groups of 70 participants of multi para pregnant women at 24 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with round ligament pain . Group A (study group) included participants who joined a six-week physiotherapy plan of care in the form of sessions composed of direct myofascial release technique combined with specific therapeutic exercise as well as put on a belly band and received advice.

While, group B involved control participants who followed the routine care and advice as well as wearing the same belly band as group A participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy Complications Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Urogenital Diseases

Age range

25 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Beni-Suef University

Banī Suwayf, Beni Suweif Governorate, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

70 multipara pregnant women at 24 weeks' of gestation diagnosed with round ligament pain were included. Their ages ranged from 25-35 years and their body mass index (BMI) did not exceed 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion criteria

Participants were excluded from the study if round ligament pain was accompanied by cramping, vaginal bleeding, fever, nausea, vomiting, or any changes in vaginal discharge as well as patients diagnosed with preterm labor, placental abruption, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, cardiac diseases, chronic physical or mental disorders, or failed to complete an informed consent.

Treatment and study plan

Manual therapy technique named myofascial release combined with therapeutic exercises

Other

Round ligament release technique was conducted first from left side lying position followed by right side lying position with a pillow between knees and another pillow supported head, determining round ligament as a fibromuscular cordlike structure in lower abdomen particularly at the area of the Inguinal Canal between Anterior Superior Iliac Spine and 2-3 cm laterally from Symphysis Pubis.12 Then, therapist applied very gentle sustained pressure with minor traction to restricted part of round ligament for 90 to 120 seconds according to patient's tolerance followed by release for 3 minutes.As well as, group of therapeutic exercises.

Primary outcomes

Pelvic Inclination Angle

Time frame: 4 months

Pelvic inclination or pelvic tilting angle was measured in sagittal plane between a horizontal line and a line bifurcating the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine and Posterior Superior Iliac Spine for all participants by using Palpation Meter Inclinometer at the start and the end of the study.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Beni-Suef University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Direct Myofascial Release Technique Combined With Exercise on Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jul 20, 2026
Registry last updated: Jul 20, 2026

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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