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Impact of Post-Cesarean Abdomino-Pelvic Training on Diastasis Recti and Sexual Function (APPT-S)

2 mei 2026 bijgewerkt door: Mehmet Incebıyik, Harran University

The Impact of Structured Postoperative Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training on Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Pelvic Hemodynamics, and Sexual Function Following Cesarean Section: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Doppler Morphometric Analysis Study

This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific exercise program on physical recovery and sexual health in women who have had a cesarean section. Pregnancy and abdominal surgery can lead to a separation of the abdominal muscles, known as Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), and may affect pelvic health and sexual function. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program starting at the 6th week after surgery. This program includes specific exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles. The control group will follow the standard routine postpartum care. The researchers will use ultrasound and Doppler imaging to measure the distance between the abdominal muscles and the blood flow in the pelvic area at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of training. Participants will also complete a validated questionnaire (FSFI) to evaluate their sexual function. The goal of the research is to determine if this structured exercise program helps close the abdominal gap more effectively and improves pelvic blood flow and sexual well-being compared to standard care.

Studie Overzicht

Gedetailleerde beschrijving

Background and Rationale:

Cesarean section (C-section) is a major surgical procedure that alters the integrity of the abdominal wall. Even if it avoids direct pelvic floor trauma associated with vaginal delivery, the combination of pregnancy-related mechanical stress and surgical incision often leads to Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and pelvic floor dysfunction. These conditions are frequently associated with reduced sexual function and lower quality of life in the postpartum period. While pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is well-studied, there is a lack of objective evidence regarding the impact of structured "Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" on tissue-level recovery and vascular perfusion. Study Objectives:

The primary objective of this prospective, randomized controlled study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week structured rehabilitation program on inter-recti distance (IRD), pelvic hemodynamics, and sexual function in primiparous women following elective C-section. Methodology and Intervention:

A total of 160 participants will be recruited at their 6th-week postpartum visit at Harran University Hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized into two groups: Intervention Group: Participants will receive a 6-week structured abdomino-pelvic power-training protocol (including PFMT and core stabilization exercises). The program consists of weekly clinical visits and a prescribed home exercise regimen. Control Group: Participants will receive standard routine postpartum follow-up care without specific exercise training. Outcome Measures and Evaluation:

Assessments will be performed at baseline (6th week postpartum) and at the end of the intervention (3rd month postpartum). Morphometric Analysis: Inter-recti distance (IRD) will be measured using linear probe ultrasonography. Hemodynamic Assessment: Pelvic blood flow will be evaluated via Doppler ultrasonography, measuring Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI) of the Uterine Artery and Vaginal Artery, as well as perfusion of the surgical scar tissue. Functional Assessment: Sexual function will be measured using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Continuous variables will be compared using Independent Samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test between groups, and Paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for within-group changes over time. Correlation between objective Doppler parameters and subjective FSFI scores will be evaluated.

Studietype

Ingrijpend

Inschrijving (Geschat)

120

Fase

  • Niet toepasbaar

Contacten en locaties

In dit gedeelte vindt u de contactgegevens van degenen die het onderzoek uitvoeren en informatie over waar dit onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd.

Studiecontact

Studie Contact Back-up

Studie Locaties

    • HALİLİYE
      • Sanliurfa, HALİLİYE, Turkije (Türkiye), 63300
      • Şanliurfa, HALİLİYE, Turkije (Türkiye), 63300
        • Harran University Research and Application Hospital
        • Contact:

Deelname Criteria

Onderzoekers zoeken naar mensen die aan een bepaalde beschrijving voldoen, de zogenaamde geschiktheidscriteria. Enkele voorbeelden van deze criteria zijn iemands algemene gezondheidstoestand of eerdere behandelingen.

Geschiktheidscriteria

Leeftijden die in aanmerking komen voor studie

  • Volwassen

Accepteert gezonde vrijwilligers

Ja

Beschrijving

Inclusion Criteria:Primiparous women (first-time mothers).

Women who have undergone an elective cesarean section.

Participants who are at their 6th week postpartum at the start of the study.

Aged between 18 and 45 years.

Volunteering to participate and capable of signing the informed consent form.

-

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Multiparous women (those with more than one delivery).

Women with a history of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (other than the current C-section).

Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or connective tissue disorders).

Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition that prevents participation in an exercise program.

History of pelvic organ prolapse or severe urinary incontinence prior to pregnancy.

Active pelvic or abdominal infection.

Participants who have already started a structured postpartum exercise program elsewhere.

Studie plan

Dit gedeelte bevat details van het studieplan, inclusief hoe de studie is opgezet en wat de studie meet.

Hoe is de studie opgezet?

Ontwerpdetails

  • Primair doel: Behandeling
  • Toewijzing: Gerandomiseerd
  • Interventioneel model: Parallelle opdracht
  • Masker: Enkel

Wapens en interventies

Deelnemersgroep / Arm
Interventie / Behandeling
Experimenteel: Intervention Group: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training

Participants in this arm will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program, starting at the 6th week postpartum. The intervention consists of:

Clinical Sessions: Once-a-week supervised training sessions conducted at the hospital to ensure correct technique.

Home Exercise Program: Prescribed daily exercises to be performed by the participant at home for the remaining 6 days of the week.

Core Stabilization: Specific exercises targeting the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis muscles to reduce inter-recti distance (IRD).

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Structured contractions aimed at improving pelvic floor strength and hemodynamics.

Monitoring: Progress will be monitored during weekly clinical visits, and the intensity will be adjusted based on participant tolerance.

A 6-week structured exercise program including one weekly supervised clinical session and daily home exercises. It focuses on core stabilization (rectus abdominis, obliques, transversus abdominis) to reduce inter-recti distance and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) to improve strength and hemodynamics.
Actieve vergelijker: Control Group: Standard Postpartum Care
Participants in this arm will follow the standard routine postpartum care and follow-up protocol provided by the clinic. They will not participate in the structured abdomino-pelvic or pelvic floor exercise program during the 6-week study period. All clinical assessments, including ultrasound measurements for inter-recti distance, pelvic Doppler imaging, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires, will be performed at the same time intervals as the intervention group (at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum) to provide a comparative baseline for the study.
Participants will follow the routine clinical postpartum follow-up protocol. This includes standard medical advice and assessments at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum, without participation in the structured exercise program.

Wat meet het onderzoek?

Primaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD)
Tijdsspanne: From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).
The distance between the medial borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles, measured in centimeters (cm) using linear probe ultrasonography to evaluate the severity of Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA).
From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).

Medewerkers en onderzoekers

Hier vindt u mensen en organisaties die betrokken zijn bij dit onderzoek.

Studie record data

Deze datums volgen de voortgang van het onderzoeksdossier en de samenvatting van de ingediende resultaten bij ClinicalTrials.gov. Studieverslagen en gerapporteerde resultaten worden beoordeeld door de National Library of Medicine (NLM) om er zeker van te zijn dat ze voldoen aan specifieke kwaliteitscontrolenormen voordat ze op de openbare website worden geplaatst.

Bestudeer belangrijke data

Studie start (Geschat)

1 mei 2026

Primaire voltooiing (Geschat)

1 november 2026

Studie voltooiing (Geschat)

1 december 2026

Studieregistratiedata

Eerst ingediend

2 mei 2026

Eerst ingediend dat voldeed aan de QC-criteria

2 mei 2026

Eerst geplaatst (Werkelijk)

8 mei 2026

Updates van studierecords

Laatste update geplaatst (Werkelijk)

8 mei 2026

Laatste update ingediend die voldeed aan QC-criteria

2 mei 2026

Laatst geverifieerd

1 mei 2026

Meer informatie

Termen gerelateerd aan deze studie

Plan Individuele Deelnemersgegevens (IPD)

Bent u van plan om gegevens van individuele deelnemers (IPD) te delen?

NEE

Beschrijving IPD-plan

To protect the privacy of the participants and ensure data confidentiality in accordance with the institutional ethical guidelines, individual participant data (IPD) will not be made publicly available. The study involves sensitive clinical measurements and personal health information that were collected under the condition of strict anonymity. Results will be disseminated through aggregated data in peer-reviewed publications.

Informatie over medicijnen en apparaten, studiedocumenten

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd geneesmiddel

Nee

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd apparaatproduct

Nee

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