Physical Activity for Women's Health: Effects of a Sensorimotor Program on Body Image and Posture in Postpartum Women

INTRODUCTION The postpartum period is characterized by significant physical, physiological, and psychological changes that may affect body image, postural alignment, functional capacity, and overall well-being. Recovery during this phase is complex and may extend for several months after childbirth, with variability depending on individual conditions and delivery characteristics. Women in the postpartum period may experience musculoskeletal alterations, reduced core stability, fatigue, and changes in body perception, which can negatively influence daily functioning and quality of life. In addition, psychological factors such as stress, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms may further impact recovery and adaptation to the maternal role. Despite the recognized importance of physical recovery after childbirth, structured exercise interventions in the postpartum period are often not systematically implemented or tailored to the multidimensional needs of women. In particular, conventional exercise approaches may not fully address aspects such as proprioception, postural control, and body awareness. For this reason, there is increasing interest in integrated exercise models that combine elements of neuromuscular control, breathing, and movement coordination. Sensorimotor approaches, including methods based on controlled and multi-planar movements, may represent a suitable strategy to support both physical and perceptual recovery during the postpartum period. This study is designed to investigate the effects of different structured exercise interventions on multiple domains of postpartum recovery, including body image, posture, psychological well-being, body composition, and functional performance.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of two structured exercise interventions on multiple domains of postpartum recovery, including body image, postural alignment, body composition, psychological well-being, and functional capacity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an integrated sensorimotor training group, a resistance training group, or a usual care group. The study is designed to compare the effects of these interventions on physical, perceptual, and psychological outcomes during the postpartum period. The sensorimotor training group will follow a 24-week program based on a combination of Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, and Yoga, focusing on proprioception, breathing control, and neuromuscular coordination. The resistance training group will perform a structured strength training program targeting major muscle groups through progressive exercises. The usual care group will receive standard postpartum recommendations without participating in a supervised exercise program.

A total of 45 women will be enrolled and equally allocated across the three study groups.

Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points: during the third trimester of pregnancy (baseline), at 3 months postpartum (pre-intervention), at 6 months postpartum (mid-intervention), at 9 months postpartum (post-intervention), and at 6 months after the end of the intervention (follow-up). Outcome domains include body image, postural parameters, body composition, psychological health, physical activity levels, and functional performance. These measures will be used to evaluate changes over time and to compare the effects of the different interventions.

METHODS Participants will be recruited through the Obstetrics and Obstetric Pathology Unit at the Isola Tiberina Gemelli-Isola Hospital. Recruitment will target women in the third trimester of pregnancy who meet the study eligibility criteria. Eligible participants will be enrolled and followed from late pregnancy through the postpartum period according to the study timeline. After baseline and pre-intervention assessments, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three study groups. All participants will receive detailed information about the study procedures prior to enrollment and will provide written informed consent before participation. Data will be collected and managed using coded identifiers to ensure participant confidentiality. Only data relevant to the study objectives will be collected. The study will be conducted following approval by the appropriate ethics committee.