Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women

Sponsor
Göteborg University (Other)
Overall Status
Not yet recruiting
CT.gov ID
NCT05507853
Collaborator
(none)
144
39

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% of pregnant women and up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP. Central (nervous system) sensitization that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation.

The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Measurements of central sensitization will be done on two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase

    Detailed Description

    Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is reported by 50% (60000) of pregnant women yearly in Sweden. PGP is expected to disappear after delivery. However up to 11 years after pregnancy, 10% of women have persistent and per definition chronic PGP with large impact on their physical activity, functioning,and health. Central (nervous system) sensitization, defined as an amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that elicits pain hypersensitivity, may be one explanation why 10% of women develop postpartum chronic PGP and related physical inactivity.

    The overall aim of this study is to explore features of central sensitization in pregnant women and its predictive ability on physical activity, functioning and health in women with PGP. Two study groups, pregnant women with PGP and healthy controls (including non-native Swedish) will be included through maternity care units and a blog. Measurements of primary outcome central sensitization will be done. To identify women at risk to develop chronic pain in relation to a common pain experience ie PGP in pregnancy, may help us understand if central sensitization early in life explains why women develop chronic pain.

    Study Design

    Study Type:
    Observational
    Anticipated Enrollment :
    144 participants
    Observational Model:
    Cohort
    Time Perspective:
    Prospective
    Official Title:
    In the Joints or in the Brain? Exploring Central Sensitization in Pregnant Women and Its Role in Pain, Physical Activity, Functioning and Health Following Pregnancy
    Anticipated Study Start Date :
    Oct 1, 2022
    Anticipated Primary Completion Date :
    Dec 31, 2024
    Anticipated Study Completion Date :
    Dec 31, 2025

    Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. central sensitization measured by Patient Pain Drawing [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      spreading of pain

    2. central sensitization measured by conditioned pain modulation using an algometer and a occlusion cuff [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      malfunctioning of descending nociceptive inhibitory pathways

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Physical activity and exercise are measured by this self-administered questionnaire which provides assessment of four domains of physical activity; ''Sports and Exercises', ''Household and Caregiving'', 'Transportation''and ''Occupation'. Since it measures the frequency and the duration of the activities, (an intensity value assigned to each activity), the minimum values are 0 but here are no maximum values. The activities can be analyzed by type, by intensity or for the total energy expenditure.

    2. Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Functioning. Minimum score 0 maximum score 100 where high scores mean worse outcome.

    3. Patients Specific Functioning Scale [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Two by the participant, self-chosen activities rated on a numeric rating scale. Minimum score 0 maximum score 10 where high scores mean better outcome

    4. EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ5D) [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Health-related quality of life. Minimum score -0,59 and 1 maximum score where high scores mean better outcome

    5. Work Ability Index [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30),at 12 months after delivery,]

      Current work ability marked on a Numeric Rating Scale. Minimum score 0 maximum score 10 where high scores mean better outcome

    6. Numeric Rating Scale for pain [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      pain intensity. Minimum score 0 maximum score 10 where high scores mean worse outcome

    7. Numeric Rating Scale for concern [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Concern. Minimum score 0 maximum score 10 where high scores mean worse outcome

    8. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Symptoms of depression. Minimum score 0 maximum score 30 where high scores mean worse outcome

    Other Outcome Measures

    1. Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire subscale on physical activity (FABQ-PA) [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Fear avoidance beliefs about physical activity. Minimum score 0 maximum score 24 where high scores mean worse outcome

    2. subscale Catastrophizing (CSQ-CAT),from the Coping Strategies Questionnaire [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Catastrophizing thoughts. Minimum score 0 maximum score 52 where high scores mean worse outcome

    3. General Self-Efficacy Scale [change from baseline (gestational week 20-30) at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 12 months after delivery]

      Self-efficacy. Minimum score 10 maximum score 40 where high scores mean better outcome

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    18 Years and Older
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    Female
    Inclusion Criteria:
    • pregnant (first time pregnant or previous experience of pregnancy)

    • 18 years of age or older

    • have a single foetus pregnancy

    • be in gestational weeks 20-30

    • able to read and understand Swedish or English

    Exclusion Criteria:
    • no history of a fracture or malignant disease in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor or hips

    • no systemic disease of the musculoskeletal or the nervous system

    • no diseases such as gestational diabetes or diabetes type 1 and 2, hypertension

    • no obstetric complications

    • no contradiction for tests.

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    No locations specified.

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • Göteborg University

    Investigators

    None specified.

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    None provided.

    More Information

    Publications

    None provided.
    Responsible Party:
    Göteborg University
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT05507853
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • VGFOUREG-939632
    First Posted:
    Aug 19, 2022
    Last Update Posted:
    Aug 19, 2022
    Last Verified:
    Aug 1, 2022
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
    No
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
    No
    Additional relevant MeSH terms:

    Study Results

    No Results Posted as of Aug 19, 2022