Influence of dynamic sitting on back and pelvic pain during pregnancy

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the impact of dynamic sitting on the level of back and pelvic pain during pregnancy, as well as on mobility and quality of life during pregnancy. Participants and methods: The study included 22 pregnant women who were divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group (N = 11), with an average age of 32.55 ± 5.5 years and an initial body mass index (BMI) of 24.81 ± 3.26, used a dynamic cushion while sitting for 20 minutes daily over a period of two months. The control group (N = 11), with an average age of 31.64 ± 5.12 years and an initial BMI of 24.27 ± 2.4, did not use the dynamic cushion. The effect was assessed using a shortened version of the McGill pain questionnaire and a questionnaire evaluating the mobility and quality of life of pregnant women, known as the Pregnancy mobility index. Results: According to the shortened version of the McGill pain questionnaire, there was improvement in part of the pain assessment score in the experimental group and a deterioration of pain in the control group. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant. According to the questionnaire evaluating mobility and quality of life during pregnancy, there was a deterioration in the control group. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The use of a dynamic cushion cannot be unequivocally recommended as a preventive measure for back pain or for preserving mobility and quality of life during pregnancy. However, partial results from the pilot study suggest that further exploration of this issue is warranted, and additional research should be conducted, particularly with a larger sample size.