Impact of Delivery Mode on Coccydynia, Pelvic Girdle Pain and Rectus Diastasis in Postpartum Females

This comparative observational study investigates the impact of delivery mode vaginal delivery versus cesarean section on the prevalence and severity of three postpartum musculoskeletal complications: coccydynia, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and rectus diastasis (RD). Conducted on postpartum females aged 20-40 years within 6 weeks to 6 months after childbirth, the study aims to highlight musculoskeletal outcomes often overlooked in standard postpartum care.

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Key information

Conditions

Pelvic Girdle Pain Musculoskeletal Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pelvic Pain Rectus Diastasis Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Superior University CRC

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

A total of 73 participants were selected through non-probability sampling from rehabilitation centers and home-based postpartum populations in Lahore. Pain intensity and musculoskeletal impairments were assessed using validated tools: the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for coccydynia, Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) for PGP, and finger-width palpation technique for RD. The data collection involved both self-reported questionnaires and clinical assessments by trained professionals. The goal is to identify how delivery mode influences musculoskeletal health and to support the development of more tailored physiotherapy interventions and postpartum care strategies.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Postpartum females aged 20-40 years
Females who delivered via vaginal delivery or cesarean section
6 weeks to 6 months postpartum period
Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Females with a history of pelvic or spinal surgery prior to pregnancy
Known cases of pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., scoliosis, chronic back pain)
Multiple pregnancies (twins or more) in the current or previous delivery
Postpartum complications unrelated to delivery mode (e.g., sepsis, trauma)

Treatment and study plan

Impact of Delivery Mode

Behavioral

investigates the impact of delivery mode vaginal delivery versus cesarean section on the prevalence and severity of three postpartum musculoskeletal complications: coccydynia, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and rectus diastasis (RD). Conducted on postpartum females

Primary outcomes

Visual Analog Scale

Time frame: 6 Month

A 10 cm horizontal line marked from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Scoring: The participant marks a point on the line that best represents their pain intensity. The score is measured in centimeters from the "no pain" end. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.
Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ)

Time frame: 6 Months

Contains 25 items divided into two domains: activity limitations (20 items) and symptoms (5 items).

Scoring: Each item is rated on a 4-point scale (0 = not at all, 1 = to a small extent, 2 = to some extent, 3 = to a great extent). Scores are summed, converted into a percentage of the maximum possible score. Higher percentages reflect greater pelvic girdle pain and disability.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Superior University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of Delivery Mode on Coccydynia, Pelvic Girdle Pain and Rectus Diastasis in Postpartum Females: a Comparative Study

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 25, 2025
Registry last updated: Jun 25, 2025

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