Prenatal Pilates and Postpartum Ligamentous Laxity

Ankara Medipol University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pilates Exercise; Laxity of Ligament; Pregnancy

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07344857

AnkaraMedipolU-FTR-2025-223

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 42 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 20 to 35 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

42 participants in 2 patient groups

Pilates Group

Description:

Participants in the Pilates group attended supervised 60-minute sessions twice weekly for eight weeks, led by a certified physiotherapist trained by the Australian Institute of Pilates and Physiotherapy.

Control Group

Description:

The control group received standard prenatal care and ergonomic advice, and did not participate in any exercise training.