This study investigates the impact of Stability Ball Exercise (SBE) on pain relief and quality of life in pregnant women, aiming to fill the research gap and provide a practical solution for managing pregnancy-related back pain in Indonesian communities.
A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments was used to evaluate the impact of Stability Ball Exercise on pain intensity and quality of life in pregnant women. Participants were chosen based on specific criteria, including pregnancy stage and existing back pain. The four-week intervention (12 sessions) included assessments in weeks one and four using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) for quality of life. The exercise program consisted of spinal twists (4-6 rounds with a 4-second hold), side stretches (1-2 rounds, 8 repetitions), wall squats (1-2 rounds, 8 repetitions), and seated arm and leg raises (10-15 times on each side), performed three times weekly under supervision. Statistical methods were applied to analyze changes in pain and quality of life by comparing pre- and post-intervention scores.
Before the intervention, pain levels in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters at Kartasura Public Health Centre, Central Java, Indonesia, ranged from 4 to 6, indicating moderate to considerable pain. After 12 sessions of SBE, 61% of participants reported a reduction in pain to mild levels (NRS scores of 1-3), while 39% remained in the moderate pain category. The Wilcoxon test showed significant improvements in quality of life across all domains: physical health and psychological health (both with a significance value of 0.000), social relationships (0.013), and environment (0.004). it was evident that SBE significantly reduced pain and enhanced the quality of life for pregnant women experiencing back discomfort in each domain.
Stability Ball Exercise (SBE) effectively improve motor function, alleviate lower back pain, and reduce the negative impact on daily activities for women in the second and third trimester.
This exercise intervention in physiotherapy has benefits for pregnant women, including alleviating back discomfort, enhancing mobility, and improving overall quality of life. It strengthens core and postural muscles, supports proper posture, and reduces physical discomfort during pregnancy. Additionally, it positively impacts mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Physiotherapists can incorporate these exercises into antenatal programs as part of a safe, evidence-based, multidisciplinary strategy.
pregnant women
back pain
