Prenatal Pilates and Postpartum Ligamentous Laxity

Ankara Medipol University42 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Laxity of Ligament Pregnancy Pilates Exercise

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18-35 years * In the 6th week of post-partum * Voluntary participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases * Prior participation in structured physical activity programs

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

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.

Time frame: 10 minutes

Secondary Outcomes

Generalized joint hypermobility

Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) was assessed using the Beighton scoring system, which consists of five bilateral and unilateral maneuvers. Each positive test scored one point, with a maximum score of 9. A score of ≥5 indicated GJH.

Time frame: 2 minutes

Physical activity level

Participants' physical activity was monitored using the Omron HJ-321-E pedometer (Omron Healthcare, Japan), which detects vertical oscillations and stores up to seven days of data.

Time frame: 7 days