Comparison of Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R) and Swiss Ball Training for Postpartum Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 88
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength
研究概览
简要总结
Postpartum pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is a common condition affecting many women after childbirth. Weakness or impairment of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic discomfort, and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation exercises targeting pelvic floor muscles are widely used to restore muscle strength and improve functional outcomes.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a structured Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R) with Swiss ball training in improving pelvic floor muscle function among postpartum women diagnosed with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. The 5R protocol focuses on progressive rehabilitation strategies including relaxation, recruitment, resistance, repetition, and recovery of pelvic floor muscles. Swiss ball training involves exercises performed on a stability ball that aim to enhance core stability, pelvic control, and muscular coordination.
Eligible postpartum women with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the structured 5R rehabilitation exercise protocol, while the other group will participate in Swiss ball training exercises. Both interventions will be performed for a specified duration under the supervision of trained physiotherapists.
Outcome measures will assess pelvic floor muscle strength, functional improvement, and symptom severity before and after the intervention period. The findings of this study may help determine the most effective rehabilitation strategy for improving pelvic floor muscle function and promoting recovery in postpartum women.
详细描述
Postpartum pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) is a significant health concern affecting women after childbirth. Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can lead to stretching, weakening, and potential injury to the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. As a result, many postpartum women experience symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, decreased pelvic stability, and reduced functional capacity. These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life.
Physiotherapy-based rehabilitation is considered one of the most effective non-invasive management strategies for postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction. Various exercise-based approaches have been proposed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve neuromuscular control, and restore functional stability of the pelvic region.
The Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R) is a structured therapeutic program designed to promote systematic recovery of pelvic floor muscle function. The protocol typically incorporates progressive phases including muscle relaxation, activation and recruitment of pelvic floor muscles, resistance training, repeated contractions for endurance, and recovery strategies to enhance muscle performance and functional stability.
Swiss ball training has also gained popularity as a rehabilitation method for postpartum women. Exercises performed on a Swiss ball introduce an element of instability, which stimulates activation of the core musculature including the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, and lower back stabilizers. This training approach may improve coordination, balance, and pelvic stability while enhancing overall muscle strength.
Despite the widespread use of both approaches, limited evidence exists comparing the effectiveness of the structured 5R rehabilitation protocol and Swiss ball training in postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of these two interventions in postpartum women diagnosed with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 20 Years 至 40 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Females aged 20-40 years who have given birth within the last 6 months (normal deliveries).
- •Delivery mood: both Normal and cesarean deliveries. Primiparous and Multiparous women. Women willing to participate in study. Confirmed pelvic floor dysfunction. Self-report of urinary incontinence (stress or urge) occurring at least once per week
排除标准
- •Women with high-risk pregnancies or postpartum complications (e.g., severe preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage).
- •Participants with diagnosed musculoskeletal or neurological disorders affecting movement.
- •History of pelvic surgery or severe musculoskeletal disorders. Women with diastasis recti exceeding a clinically significant threshold
研究组 & 干预措施
group A Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R)
Participants in this group will receive the Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R), a structured physiotherapy program designed to improve pelvic floor muscle strength and function in postpartum women. The protocol includes progressive phases focusing on relaxation, recruitment and activation of pelvic floor muscles, resistance-based strengthening, repeated contractions to improve endurance, and recovery strategies. Exercises will be supervised by a physiotherapist and performed according to the study treatment schedule throughout the intervention period.
干预措施: Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R) (Behavioral)
group B Swiss Ball Training
Participants in this group will undergo Swiss ball training exercises aimed at improving pelvic floor muscle function, core stability, and pelvic control. The intervention includes exercises performed on a stability ball to activate pelvic floor muscles along with abdominal and trunk stabilizers. The exercises will be conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist and will follow a structured program throughout the intervention period.
干预措施: Swiss Ball Training (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength
时间窗: Baseline, 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of intervention
Pelvic floor muscle strength will be assessed using a standardized pelvic floor muscle assessment scale (such as the Modified Oxford Scale or perineometer measurement). The assessment will evaluate the strength and voluntary contraction of pelvic floor muscles in postpartum women with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Improvement in muscle strength will be compared between participants receiving the Rehabilitation Exercise Protocol (5R) and those undergoing Swiss ball training.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Rafia Abrar
principal investigator
University of Lahore