Advancements in Postpartum Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Postpartum rehabilitation plays a crucial role in promoting maternal health and well-being following childbirth. This systematic review aims to explore recent trends and advancements in postpartum rehabilitation interventions across various categories. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Embase databases, yielding a total of 358 search results. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 relevant studies were selected for detailed analysis. These studies were categorized into four distinct categories: exercise-based techniques, technology integration, medical interventions, and multi-modal approaches. Within the exercise-based technique category, pelvic floor exercises, trunk stabilization exercises, and physiotherapy emerged as the most commonly utilized interventions. Studies in this category typically involved population sizes ranging from n = 20 to 200 participants, with study durations spanning from six weeks to 12 weeks. In the technology integration category, predominant techniques included electrical stimulation, biofeedback, acupuncture, and vibrating vaginal balls. Population sizes ranged from n = 50 to 200 participants, with study durations ranging from three days to three months. Only one study was identified in the medical intervention category, which investigated the use of intrathecal analgesia and continuous ropivacaine after cesarean section, involving 200 participants. Multimodal approaches encompassed various combinations of technology, artificial intelligence, image processing, and exercise-based interventions, with population sizes ranging from n = 10 to 500 participants and study durations ranging from six weeks to 12 months. This systematic review provides insights into the diverse landscape of postpartum rehabilitation interventions, highlighting the prominence of exercise-based techniques and the growing utilization of technology integration. While medical interventions remain limited, multimodal approaches show promise in optimizing postpartum care outcomes. Continued research and innovation in this field are warranted to further refine rehabilitation strategies and improve maternal health outcomes following childbirth.

Keywords: exercises; postpartum; pregnancy; rehabilitation; technology integration.

Figure 1. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) diagram showcasing the review methodology.

Figure 2. Risk-of-bias assessment of all studies included in this review.

Figure 3. Overview of the risk-of-bias analysis results.