Impact of Post-Cesarean Abdomino-Pelvic Training on Diastasis Recti and Sexual Function

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

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.

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.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD) — 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).

Trial sites (2)

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