Postpartum Exercise Intervention

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Postpartum, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Abdominal Muscles, Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions, Physical Activity

In brief

The postpartum period is associated with decreases in physical activity levels, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and pelvic floor muscle function, but little scientific evidence exists on how best to initiate and progress exercise in the postpartum period. This proposal aims to improve habitual physical activity levels, neuromuscular health (i.e., strength, fatigability, symptom burden) and overall wellbeing (i.e., decreased fear of movement, improved sleep quality, improved perception of quality of life) through participation in a weekly exercise program. This study will help to inform postpartum exercise recommendations and is novel as it allows participants to incorporate their children into the exercise routine, thus removing a primary barrier to physical activity/exercise.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07613333

Run by

Carroll University

People needed

50

Starts

2026-02-19

Expected to finish

2028-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-29

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 18 years of age or older
• gave birth in the 24 months prior to study enrollment

You may not qualify if…

• less than 6 weeks postpartum or not medically appropriate to engage in exercise regardless of time since childbirth (will be screened using the Get Active Questionnaire for Postpartum)
• prescription anti-inflammatory/pain medications that are taken daily;
• significant orthopedic conditions that would contraindicate performance of the fatigue task and participation in the exercise intervention (such as fractures, severe scoliosis, etc)
• moderate to severe cardiovascular \&/or pulmonary disease that contraindicates participation in exercise
• neuromuscular health conditions (such as diabetes, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, seizures, etc);
• smoking/vaping or use of other tobacco or nicotine products (chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, etc.)
• use of any illegal drugs

Where it is running

• Carroll University Center for Graduate Studies — Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.