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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
2026-04-07
Completion Date
2029-12-31
Last Updated
2026-05-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Early individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
Participants receive individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) delivered by a physiotherapist from 2-3 weeks postpartum. The program is individually progressed according to recovery and aims to gradually achieve the recommended training dose of 8-10 maximal contractions held for 6-8 seconds, performed in three sets, 2-3 times daily, for at least 12 weeks. Participants receive an information booklet covering pelvic floor recovery, pain management, bowel and bladder function, relaxation, physical activity, scar healing, ergonomics, sleep, and sexual health. An exercise diary is used to monitor adherence. Follow-ups are conducted every second week during the first 3 months and thereafter every fourth week. Participants requiring additional guidance in performing pelvic floor contractions are offered in-person physiotherapy visits. All interventions are documented in a checklist to record delivered components. Ultrasound files and videos are provided to guide treatment.
Locations (2)
Sahlgrenska hospital, Östra
Gothenburg, Sweden
University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden