Prenatal Pilates and Postpartum Ligamentous Laxity

NCT07344857 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: AnkaraMedipolU-FTR-2025-223
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Pregnancy induces hormonal and biomechanical adaptations that increase ligamentous laxity, which may persist into the postpartum period and contribute to joint instability, pain, and functional limitations. Although prenatal Pilates has been shown to prevent the progression of ligamentous laxity during pregnancy, its effects on postpartum musculoskeletal recovery remain unclear. This longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial evaluated ligamentous recovery at 6 weeks postpartum in women who participated in a structured prenatal Pilates program continued until childbirth, compared with women receiving standard prenatal care. Postpartum ligamentous laxity, generalized joint hypermobility, and activity limitations related to pelvic girdle pain were assessed using objective and clinical measures. The study aimed to determine whether prenatal Pilates facilitates early postpartum ligamentous recovery and supports functional outcomes during the early postpartum period.

Conditions

Laxity of Ligament; Pregnancy; Pilates Exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Ligament laxity

  The anterior tibial translation of the knee will be considered as representative of the anterior laxity of the knee of women measured with an arthrometer ® (bilateral examination repeated 3 times on each knee).The degree of laxity will be evaluated thanks to the international classification IKDC.

  10 minutes

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Generalized joint hypermobility

  2 minutes

• Physical activity level

  7 days

Study Arms (2)

Pilates Group

Participants in the Pilates group attended supervised 60-minute sessions twice weekly for eight weeks, led by a certified physiotherapist trained by the Australian Institute of Pilates and Physiotherapy.

Control Group

The control group received standard prenatal care and ergonomic advice, and did not participate in any exercise training.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of postpartum women aged 18-35 years who were 6th week after delivery and who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Women with known cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, and those who had participated in structured physical activity programs prior to enrollment were excluded. These criteria were applied to ensure a homogeneous sample and to minimize potential confounding factors related to pre-existing health conditions or prior exercise exposure.

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18-35 years
• In the 6th week of post-partum
• Voluntary participation in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases
• Prior participation in structured physical activity programs

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Medipol University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ankara Medipol University

Ankara, Altındağ, 06050, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Joint Instability

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Asst.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 8, 2026
• First Posted: January 15, 2026
• Study Start: November 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 15, 2026
• Study Completion: January 15, 2026
• Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)