Abstract

Background: European studies indicated that positive signs on pain provocation tests during pregnancy and high values on the Disability Rating Index (DRI) in the third trimester of gestation are risk factors for persistent low back pain (LBP)/pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in postpartum. Because race, delivery method, and lifestyle differ between Europe and Japan, it is unclear, whether postpartum women in Japan follow the same natural course. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the natural course and risk factors for LBP/PGP during 12 months after delivery in Japanese women. Methods: 49 subjects were enrolled in this longitudinal pilot study. Longitudinal data were collected from serial questionnaires regarding LBP/PGP completed between day 1 and 12 months after delivery. Outcomes consisted of a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain, pain locations, the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), and the Edinburgh Depression Scale. The Friedman test and multiple logistic regression analysis were utilized for statistical analyses. Results: The PGQ score (p