The relationship between physical activity levels and psychosocial factors affecting pain perception in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain

Introduction
Engaging in physical activity has many positive effects on both maternal and infant health in pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain (LPP). The level of physical activity is influenced by various factors, especially during periods marked by notable changes in lifestyle, such as pregnancy. This study aims to explore the effect of pregnancy-related psychosocial factors and distress, catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy, which affect pain perception, on physical activity levels in pregnant women with LPP.

Material and methods
The study was conducted with 60 pregnant women aged 20-36 in their second or third trimester, and with lumbopelvic pain lasting more than one week. The following surveys were delivered to the participants electronically: Antenatal Psychosocial Health Assessment Scale, Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. In addition, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical activity levels.

Results
No significant correlation was found between physical activity and pregnancy-related psychosocial factors (p = 0.787), pregnancy-related distress (p = 0.295), catastrophizing (p = 0.150) or pain self-efficacy (p = 0.153).

Conclusions
No significant relationship was found between psychosocial factors that have been shown to have an impact on pain perception in pregnant women with LPP and their physical activity levels. Hence, psychosocial factors do not appear to be an effective barrier to the physical activity levels of pregnant women with LPP, and other factors should be examined to increase physical activity levels.