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NCT Number: NCT07440862

Effects of Pelvic Floor Exercises and Pelvic Support Belt in Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is a medical condition that affects the pelvic region, particularly the joint that joins the two pubic bones at the front of the pelvis, the pubic symphysis. Although normally this joint is quite stable, the ligaments surrounding the pelvis loosen in preparation for childbirth due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly an increase in a hormone called relaxin. This may result in pelvic joint instability, which can cause pain and discomfort, usually in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, or groin. Symptoms, physical examination, and medical history are frequently used to diagnose SPD. Medical professionals may also test for pelvic instability and assess for tenderness near the pubic symphysis. Imaging (such as an X-ray or ultrasound) may be performed to rule out other disorders in certain situations, but it is not always required.

The study will be a randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Fatima Medical Complex, Hameeda Bashir Hospital, Sadaf Yahya Hospital and Tehsil Head Quarter (THQ) Daska. This study will be completed in time duration of 10 months after the approval of synopsis. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 48 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The subjects will be divided into two groups. Group A will receive Phonophoresis for 10 minutes as baseline treatment and pelvic floor exercises (Kegel Exercises, Bridging, Pelvic Tilt, Squats, Dead Bug) with pelvic support belt whereas Group B will receive only pelvic floor exercises and Phonophoresis as baseline treatment. The tools that will be used are Oswestry Disability Index, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assessing Pain, Disability and functioning. After data collection, data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.

Keywords: pelvic floor, exercises, post-partum, symphysis pubis dysfunction, pain, function, disability

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Key information

Conditions

Pubic Symphysis Diastasis Behavior Diastasis, Bone Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Joint Diseases Joint Dislocations Motor Activity Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pelvic Girdle Pain Pelvic Pain Pregnancy Complications Puerperal Disorders Signs and Symptoms Urogenital Diseases Wounds and Injuries

Age range

25 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sadaf Yahya Hospital

Daska Kalan, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

mehar un nisa shafique, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

03344563221

wajeeha siddiqui, MSPT-WH

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Multigravida females
  • Women diagnosed with pubic symphysis dysfunction
  • Females willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study.
  • Functional Status: Able to engage in physical activity without significant contraindications.
  • Symptom Severity: Experience pain and disability due to symphysis pubis dysfunction
  • Previous Treatment: May not have undergone pelvic floor therapy.

Exclusion criteria

  • • Participants below 8 years and above 12 years.
  • Any Psychological issue
  • Primigravida Females
  • Significant neurological disorders, pelvic pain syndromes, or conditions affecting pelvic floor function.
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders: Presence of other pelvic floor disorders (e.g., Fecal Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence)

Treatment and study plan

pelvic floor excercises

Other

Group A patients will be given 10 minutes session of Phonophoresis as baseline treatment and pelvic floor exercises with 10 repetitions maximun including Kegel Exercises, Dead Bug, Bridging, Pelvic tilt and Squats with 2 sets each for up to 3-5 times a week with pelvic support belt

pelvic support belt

Other

Group B patients will be given 10 minutes session of Phonophoresis as baseline treatment and pelvic floor exercises with 10 repetitions maximum including Kegel Exercises, Dead Bug, Bridging, Pelvic tilt and Squats with 2 sets each for up to 3-5 times a week without pelvic support belt

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS):

    Time frame: 6th week

    Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is frequently used to gauge the severity of pain in a variety of healthcare settings across the globe. For determining how much pain a patient is suffering, it is an easy, rapid, and efficient tool.(13) VAS exhibits great repeatability and test-retest reliability.(14) VAS features a continuous scale made up of both horizontal and vertical lines, which are referred to as the vertical VAS and horizontal visual analogue scale. The vertical and horizontal VAS have a strong association. However, the horizontal VAS score is slightly lower than the vertical VAS score

  2. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

    Time frame: 6th week

    The original Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was developed in a specialist referral clinic for patients with chronic low back pain. (17) The Oswestry (version 2.1a) 21 is a 10-item, self report questionnaire that consists of items regarding the physical effects of pain and asks participants to rate their pain level (Section 1) and their ability to perform 9 tasks (Sections 2 through 10). Responses are graded on 6-point scales (0-5) for each item, with higher scores indicative of higher levels of perceived disability. The ODI refers to the ratio of the total score to the maximum score and is expressed as a percentage

  3. Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7):

    Time frame: 6th week

    PFIQ covers the impact of POP on daily life.(19) The PFIQ consists of 21 items that measures the impact of bladder, bowel, and vaginal symptoms on daily activity, social/relationships, and emotional health. Response options range from 0 ("not at all") to 3PFIQ covers the impact of POP on daily life.(19) The PFIQ consists of 21 items that measures the impact of bladder, bowel, and vaginal symptoms on daily activity, social/relationships, and emotional health. Response options range from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("quite a bit"). In each scale, the mean score of answered items is multiplied by 33.3 to obtain the scale score (range 0-100). Summary scores are calculated by adding up the scale scores (range 0-300). Higher scores indicate more impact on daily activity

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

imran amjad, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Pelvic Floor Exercises With and Without Pelvic Support Belt on Pain, Functions and Disability Among Post-partum Females With Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 27, 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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