Korean hand acupuncture for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: a feasibility study

Despite Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) developing in approximately 20% of all pregnant women, there are currently very few studies that have investigated interventional strategies, with a dearth of UK based studies. Of extant interventions investigated to date, acupuncture studies have shown some promising findings, although the effects of Korean Hand Acupuncture (KHA) on PPGP remain unclear. In line with the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for complex interventions, any potential treatment should be subjected to feasibility testing prior to a definitive RCT. This three phase feasibility study followed a mixed methods paradigm underpinned by pragmatism, and found a definitive RCT to be feasible.