Relationship Between Functional Disability and Functional Ability in Women with Postpartum Low Back Pain Following Vaginal Delivery: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPostpartum low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that adversely affects functionalindependence and quality of life in women following childbirth. Pregnancy-related hormonal, biomechanical,and muscular adaptations often persist during the postpartum period, resulting in pain, reduced spinalstability, and limitations in daily activities. Although the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Back PainFunctional Scale (BPFS) are widely used to assess disability and functional ability, respectively, evidenceregarding their relationship in postpartum women remains limited.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between functional disability, measured using the Oswestry Disability Index,and functional ability, measured using the Back Pain Functional Scale, among women with postpartum lowback pain following vaginal delivery.MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of data derived from a randomized controlled trial involving 60postpartum women (18–35 years) with low back pain within three months following vaginal delivery.Functional disability was assessed using the ODI, and functional ability was evaluated using the BPFS atbaseline and after completion of a six-week rehabilitation programme. Descriptive statistics were expressedas mean ± standard deviation (SD). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the associationbetween ODI and BPFS scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe mean baseline ODI and BPFS scores were 29.52 ± 6.40 and 28.92 ± 6.14, respectively. Pearson'scorrelation analysis demonstrated a very strong negative correlation between baseline ODI and BPFS scores(r = −0.986, p < 0.001). Following the intervention, the mean ODI score decreased to 22.93 ± 6.60, whilethe mean BPFS score increased to 36.42 ± 6.79. A strong negative correlation remained between post-intervention ODI and BPFS scores (r = −0.737, p < 0.001), indicating that lower disability was associatedwith better functional ability.ConclusionFunctional disability is strongly and inversely associated with functional ability in women with postpartumlow back pain following vaginal delivery. The combined use of the ODI and BPFS provides a comprehensiveevaluation of disability and functional performance and may assist physiotherapists in monitoring recoveryand planning individualized rehabilitation programmes.