Relationship between risk of locomotive syndrome and low back pain in Japanese postpartum women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Pregnancy and childbirth lead to various physiological and anatomical changes, often resulting in low back pain and decline in physical activity in postpartum women. Locomotive syndrome is reportedly associated with low back pain and physical activity levels. However, the prevalence of locomotive syndrome and related factors in postpartum women have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between locomotive syndrome risk and low back pain and physical activity in postpartum women. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we included 86 women (30.0 ± 4.2 years) within 1 year postpartum. We assessed the locomotive syndrome risk using the stand-up test and 2-step test, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, and low back pain using the Oswestry Disability Index. The Oswestry Disability Index score and physical activity levels were compared between groups with and without the risk of locomotive syndrome. Results Overall, 45 women (52.3%) had a high risk of locomotive syndrome. The high-risk locomotive syndrome group had significantly higher Oswestry Disability Index [10 (0–26)] than the non-locomotive syndrome group [4 (0–24)] (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of age, number of births, or proportion of women with low physical activity levels. Conclusions The findings suggest that more than half of the women within 1 year after childbirth were at risk of locomotive syndrome, suggesting a relationship between locomotive syndrome and low back pain. Prevention of postnatal low back pain may necessitate addressing decline in prenatal motor function. The findings underscore the importance of early identification and intervention for locomotive syndrome risk in postpartum women to prevent future low back pain and improve mobility.