Comparative Impact of Hydrotherapy and Land-Based Exercise on Pelvic Floor Muscle Endurance in Pregnant Women

Summary

The goal of this retrospective study is to compare the effects of hydrotherapy and land-based exercise on pelvic floor muscle endurance in pregnant women. The main question it aims to answer is whether pelvic floor muscle endurance differs between women who participated in hydrotherapy and those who participated in land-based exercise.

Researchers will compare existing clinical records of pregnant women who received hydrotherapy or land-based exercise. The study will examine pelvic floor muscle endurance measured using the Modified Oxford Grading (MOG) and other available pelvic floor assessments.

The study will use information already recorded during routine care. No new exercise program or treatment will be given as part of this retrospective study.

Conditions

• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Pregnancy

Interventions

OTHER

Hydrotherapy-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

A structured hydrotherapy-based pelvic floor muscle training program conducted in a heated indoor therapy pool. Sessions were performed for 30 minutes, three times per week for six weeks, under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. The water temperature was maintained at 32°C-34°C. Each session included warm-up and diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic floor muscle activation in supported buoyant positions, dynamic aquatic strengthening, and cool-down. Pelvic floor contractions were performed using the "squeeze and lift" technique, with three sets of 10 contractions held for five seconds. Aquatic exercises included water walking, hip movements, side leg raises, and supported squats using flotation devices or light aquatic equipment. Sessions concluded with stretching, relaxation, and breathing exercises.

OTHER

Land Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

A structured land-based pelvic floor muscle training program conducted in a clinical exercise setting. Sessions were performed for 30 minutes, three times per week for six weeks, under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist. Each session included warm-up and diaphragmatic breathing, pelvic floor muscle activation, dynamic land-based strengthening, and cool-down. Pelvic floor contractions were performed using the "squeeze and lift" technique, with three sets of 10 contractions held for five seconds. Land-based exercises included walking, supported squats, hip movements, side leg raises, and functional strengthening exercises with controlled breathing and postural alignment. Sessions concluded with stretching, relaxation, and breathing exercises.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Saveetha University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian · Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS)

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-01

Primary Completion

2025-07-25

Completion

2026-04-22

Countries

• India

Study Locations