Comparative Analysis of Hypopressive Versus Core Stability Exercises in Postpartum Women

NCT07710911 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UOL-PT-2026-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Hypopressive exercises versus Core Stability exercises in restoring pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function in postpartum women. A total of 36 participants are randomly allocated into two groups for a 4-week intervention program to evaluate changes in resting tone and abdominal competence.

Conditions

Postpartum Period; Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness; Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Inter-recti Distance (IRD)

  Measured in centimeters (cm) using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) to assess the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles. A decrease in IRD indicates improvement in abdominal recovery.

  Baseline and 4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Group A: Hypopressive Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received Hypopressive exercises aimed at restoring pelvic floor and abdominal muscle tone. The protocol was performed for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, and each session lasted approximately 30-40 minutes under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Behavioral: Hypopressive Exercises

Group B: Core Stability Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group received conventional Core Stability exercises focusing on deep abdominal and pelvic core muscles. The protocol was performed for 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, and each session lasted approximately 30-40 minutes under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Behavioral: Hypopressive Exercises

Interventions

Hypopressive Exercises BEHAVIORAL

A 4-week structured core stability program focusing on traditional exercises such as planks, bird-dog, and abdominal bracing to strengthen the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Performed 3 days a week, 30-40 minutes per session.

Group A: Hypopressive Exercise Group; Group B: Core Stability Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Postpartum females within 6 weeks to 6 months delivery.
• Age between 18 to 45 years.
• Primiparous or multiparous women.
• Clinical evidence of pelvic floor muscle weakness or pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Participants willing to adhere to the 4-week exercise protocol.

You may not qualify if:

• Recent pelvic or abdominal surgery within the past 6 months (other than uncomplicated cesarean section).
• History of severe pelvic organ prolapse (Grade III or IV).
• Active pelvic or urinary tract infections.
• Neurological disorders affecting muscular control.
• Any contraindication to physical exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore: lead

Study Sites (1)

UOL teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 58000, Pakistan

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2026
• First Posted: July 17, 2026
• Study Start: June 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 5, 2026
• Study Completion: March 5, 2026
• Last Updated: July 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)