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The RECOVER Study - Postpartum Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structures and the Impact of Early Rehabilitation
Sponsor: Vastra Gotaland Region
Summary
The goal of this observational study with an embedded pilot clinical trial is to learn how the pelvic floor recovers after vaginal childbirth and whether early individualized pelvic floor muscle training can improve recovery in people who experience pelvic floor symptoms after vaginal delivery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues change and recover during the first year after vaginal childbirth? * How are these structural changes and their recovery related to urinary, bowel, and vaginal symptoms? * In participants with pelvic floor symptoms after vaginal childbirth, does early individualized pelvic floor muscle training improve symptoms and support structural recovery compared with usual care? Researchers will compare participants who receive the early pelvic floor muscle training to those receiving standard postpartum care to see if the training helps improve pelvic floor function and reduce symptoms. Participants will: Attend clinic visits at six weeks, and six months after childbirth Complete questionnaires about urinary, bowel, and vaginal symptoms, as well as physical activity and quality of life at six weeks, and four, six months, and twelve months after childbirth Undergo clinical pelvic floor assessments, including vaginal palpation of muscle strength, tone, and perineal body stability Have ultrasound examinations of the pelvic floor to assess muscle structure, tissue integrity, and perineal body morphology For those in the pilot trial, participate in an early, individualized pelvic floor muscle training program This study will provide important information about how the pelvic floor heals after childbirth, how structural changes are linked to symptoms, and whether early personalized training can help prevent long-term problems.
Official title: The RECOVER Study - Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structure and Function After Vaginal Childbirth- a Longitudinal Cohort Study With an Embedded Pilot Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
380
Start Date
2026-03-01
Completion Date
2029-12-31
Last Updated
2026-02-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Early individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
Participants receive individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) delivered by a physiotherapist starting 2-3 weeks postpartum. The program must include pelvic floor exercises at least three times per week, with three sets of 8-10 contractions per session, progressing from light to stronger and endurance-focused contractions. Physiotherapists may also include relaxation techniques, hip, back, and abdominal exercises, breathing exercises, and advice on general physical activity according to each participant's needs. Treatment is adapted based on ultrasound images and a video of pelvic floor contractions, allowing physiotherapists to tailor exercises to any detected tears or weaknesses. All interventions are documented in a checklist to record which components were delivered. Ultrasound files and videos are provided for physiotherapists to guide treatment, but the assessor remains blinded to group allocation.
Locations (1)
University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden