The RECOVER Study - Postpartum Recovery of Pelvic Floor Structures and the Impact of Early Rehabilitation

Sponsor
Vastra Gotaland Region
Study ID
NCT07430865
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Bowel Symptoms
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
  • Postpartum
  • Recovery
  • Urinary Incontinence

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
FEMALE
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Early individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) — BEHAVIORAL
    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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

First listed
Feb 24, 2026
Start date
Apr 7, 2026
Status verified
Apr 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2028
Completion
Dec 31, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment
380 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Early individualized pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
    Individualized early postpartum pelvic floor muscle training starting 2-3 weeks postpartum, based on progressive overload principles. Training is progressively adapted according to tissue healing, pain, symptoms, and ultrasound findings. The target is 8-10 maximal voluntary contractions held for 6-8 seconds, performed in 3 sets, 2-3 times daily for at least 12 weeks, with progression in intensity, endurance, and motor control while prioritizing contraction quality over quantity. Load (intensity, volume, and complexity) is adjusted in response to recovery and symptom response. Participants receive structured education, an exercise diary, and regular digital follow-ups (every second week for 3 months, then every fourth week), with additional physical visits if needed for guiding of pelvic floor muscle contraction
  • No Intervention: Standard postpartum care
    Participants in this group receive routine postpartum care in Sweden, which typically includes 1-2 visits at the midwife center. The midwife may recommend that participants seek physiotherapy if needed. Any physiotherapy visits that occur are self-reported by participants and documented at the end of the study to evaluate the type, frequency, and content of care received. Participants do not have access to ultrasound files before the end of the study.

Primary Outcome Measure

Vaginal symptoms [ Time Frame: Participants will complete the ICIQ-VS at 6 weeks, 4, 6 and 12 months postpartum. ]

Central Contacts

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