Lumbar Paraspinal Muscular Properties After Cesarean Delivery

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The biomechanical characteristics of lumbar paraspinal muscles may give us insight into different lower back dysfunctions in postpartum mothers after cesarean section.

Detailed Description
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Stiffness and elasticity are two mechanical characteristics of the muscles, whereas relaxation time and creeping are two viscoelastic characteristics. Different studies investigated the mechanical properties of lumbar paraspinal muscles in numerous musculoskeletal conditions, however, no previous studies investigated these characteristics after cesarean section, which is associated with high prevalence of lower back pain when compared with normal delivery.

Official Title
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Lumbar Paraspinal Muscular Properties After Cesarean Delivery

Conditions
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Low Back Pain, Mechanical

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: MyotonPRO device


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Women who experienced cesarean section at least for one time Women Who are free of specific lower back disorders Women who are below 34 years old and above 20 years old Exclusion Criteria: Women who experienced normal vaginal birth Women who complain of a specific lower back disorder Women who are above 34 years old or below 20 years old Women who have a body mass index above 30 Kg/m2

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 34 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Group A<br>30 mother underwent cesarean section | Device: MyotonPRO device<br>* It is a valid and reliable device for measuring the muscular mechanical properties<br>* Other names: Myotonometry;|
| Group B<br>30 healthy females who were in the control group | Device: MyotonPRO device<br>* It is a valid and reliable device for measuring the muscular mechanical properties<br>* Other names: Myotonometry;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Stiffness, measured by the MyotonPRO device in units of N/m. | muscular stiffness refers to muscle resistance against forces that deform it. | 6-12 weeks after cesarean section | 
| Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Elasticity, measured by the MyotonPRO device in a relative unit | Muscular Elasticity refers to the muscular ability to return to its original shape after the removal of tensional forces. | 6-12 weeks after cesarean section | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Stress Relaxation Time, measured by the MyotonPRO device in milliseconds | relaxation time is a viscoelastic characteristic of the muscles, it refers to the time taken to return to the original shape after the removal of the deformative forces. | 6-12 weeks after cesarean section | 
| Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Creep, measured by the MyotonPRO device in a relative unit | Muscular creep refers to the muscular ability to lengthen when constant stresses applied to it. | 6-12 weeks after cesarean section |