Effects of an online intervention based on pain neuroscience education for pregnant women with lumbar pain on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia: A quasi-experimental pilot study

Introduction: Lumbopelvic pain, prevalent in 60-70% of pregnant women, persists in approximately half up to 12 months postpartum, and 20% even 3 years after childbirth. Effective treatment for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is challenging, prompting variable interventions from medications to physical therapies. European guidelines advocate an active approach, incorporating patient education and exercise prescription. This project innovatively employs pain neuroscience education for pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain, a strategy proven effective in musculoskeletal pain but unexplored in pregnancy. Additionally, an online format leverages its growing efficacy in diverse pain management scenarios. Aims: To analyze the effects of online pain neuroscience education and standard prenatal education on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental pilot study included 12 women receiving both pain neuroscience and standard prenatal education. Pain, disability (Roland Morris scale), and catastrophizing (TSK-11 scale) were assessed. Results: Significant reductions were observed in pain, disability (p<0.05), and kinesiophobia (p<0.01). Conclusion: Pain neuroscience education proves effective in significantly reducing pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain during the second and third trimesters.