Impact of Post-Cesarean Abdomino-Pelvic Training on Diastasis Recti and Sexual Function
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program, Standard Postpartum Follow-up.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle Training. Basic parameters: 18 years — 45 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
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
Overview
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
- Other Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program
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. - Other Standard Postpartum Follow-up
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.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD) [Time frame: From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).]
Eligibility criteria
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.
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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.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 2 centers
- Harran University Research and Application Hospital — Sanliurfa
- Harran University Research and Application Hospital — Şanliurfa
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07575490 · HRÜ/26.04.16