NCT07521085

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

Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises On Inter-recti Distance, Lumbopelvic Pain and Strength In Postpartum Women

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Detailed description

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

Type	Name	Description
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

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-31
• Primary completion: 2026-09-01
• Completion: 2026-09-01
• First posted: 2026-04-09
• Last updated: 2026-04-09

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Pakistan