Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises in Postpartum Women

NCT07521085 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-04-09

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for.

The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.

Conditions

  • Postpartum Complication
  • Strength

Interventions

OTHER

Stability Oriented Breathing Training

This included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement

OTHER

kegels exercises

This group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Masooma Saleem, MSPT WH · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-08-31
Primary Completion
2026-09-30
Completion
2026-09-30

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07521085 on ClinicalTrials.gov