Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness, Postpartum Period
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Hypopressive exercises versus Core Stability exercises in restoring pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function in postpartum women. A total of 36 participants are randomly allocated into two groups for a 4-week intervention program to evaluate changes in resting tone and abdominal competence.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALHypopressive Exercises
A 4-week structured core stability program focusing on traditional exercises such as planks, bird-dog, and abdominal bracing to strengthen the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Performed 3 days a week, 30-40 minutes per session.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Postpartum females within 6 weeks to 6 months delivery. * Age between 18 to 45 years. * Primiparous or multiparous women. * Clinical evidence of pelvic floor muscle weakness or pelvic floor dysfunction. * Participants willing to adhere to the 4-week exercise protocol.
Exclusion criteria
Recent pelvic or abdominal surgery within the past 6 months (other than uncomplicated cesarean section). * History of severe pelvic organ prolapse (Grade III or IV). * Active pelvic or urinary tract infections. * Neurological disorders affecting muscular control. * Any contraindication to physical exercise.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inter-recti Distance (IRD) | Baseline and 4 weeks | Measured in centimeters (cm) using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) to assess the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles. A decrease in IRD indicates improvement in abdominal recovery. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed