Association of self-reported physical fitness with bodily, lumbar and sciatic pain during early pregnancy: Findings from the GESTAFIT Project

Abstract Aims: To explore the association of self-reported physical fitness during early pregnancy (16th gestational week) with bodily, lumbar and sciatic pain. Methods: The present study sample comprised 124 pregnant women aged 33± 4.7 years old that were recruited within the GESTAtion and FITness (GESTAFIT) project. Self-reported physical fitness was assessed with the International Fitness Scale (IFIS). Bodily pain was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. Lumbar and sciatic pain were measured with a Visual Analogic Scale. The Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire was employed to assess the disability resulting from pain. Results: Pregnant women who reported greater self-reported overall physical fitness showed lower bodily pain (β=0.233, p<0.05), and lower lumbar pain (β=-0.207, p<0.05). Those pregnant women who reported greater self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility also showed lower bodily pain (both, p<0.01). Pregnant women with greater self-reported levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility showed lower lumbar pain (both, p<0.01). Women with greater self-reported levels of speed-agility showed less sciatic pain (β=-0.251, p<0.05). Conclusion: Greater self-reported physical fitness is associated with lower bodily, lumbar and sciatic pain during early pregnancy. Greater levels of general fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility were associated with lower bodily and lumbar pain. Besides, a greater speed-agility was also associated with lower sciatic pain. The employment of the IFIS scale in clinical settings may be a quick, cheap and easy tool for monitoring physical fitness and pregnancy-related pain during pregnancy. Resumen Objetivo: Explorar la asociación de la condición física auto-reportada durante el embarazo temprano (semana 16 de embarazo) con el dolor corporal, lumbar y ciático. Método: La muestra del presente estudio comprendió a 124 mujeres embarazadas de 33±4,7 años que fueron reclutadas dentro del proyecto GESTAtion and FITness (GESTAFIT). La condición física auto-reportada se evaluó con la escala International Fitness Scale (IFIS). El dolor corporal se evaluó con el cuestionario general de calidad de vida de 36 ítems (SF-36). El dolor lumbar y ciático se midió con una Escala Visual Analógica. El cuestionario del Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry se empleó para evaluar la discapacidad resultante del dolor. Resultados: Las embarazadas que auto reportaron mayor condición física general mostraron menos dolor corporal (β=0,233; p<0,05) y dolor lumbar (β=-0,207; p<0,05). Aquellas que reportaron una mejor capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y agilidad-velocidad también mostraron menos dolor corporal (ambos, p<0,01). Las embarazadas con mayores niveles auto-reportados de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y agilidad-velocidad presentaron menor dolor lumbar (ambos, p<0,01). Por último, las gestantes con mayores niveles auto-reportados de agilidad-velocidad mostraron menos dolor ciático (β=-0,251; p