Optimizing Pelvic Health: Evaluating the Efficacy of Prenatal Strength and Resistance Training Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in Reducing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk

Author

Samantha Requilman, Dominican University of CaliforniaFollow

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Thesis Advisor

Andrea Boyle, PhD, FNAP, ANP

Abstract

While postnatal recovery is focused on the newborn, the mother’s health is equally important – particularly in preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that results in pelvic discomfort, incontinence, and a reduced quality of life. Although clinicians encourage pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) throughout pregnancy, POP is still prevalent among women, especially those who deliver vaginally. There are limited research studies on the effectiveness of prenatal resistance training in the prevention of pelvic dysfunctions and this study aims to address the gaps in the literature. So the question to address this study is: Does combining prenatal resistance training with pelvic floor muscle exercises reduce the incidence or severity of pelvic organ prolapse postpartum more effectively than pelvic floor training alone?

A quasi non-experimental design will be conducted, involving a group of 80 first-time pregnant women aged 25-40 in their second trimester. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group participating in standard PFME while the intervention group will perform PFME in addition to a structured resistance training program with physical clearance by the participant’s primary care physicians and an independent t-test will be used to analyze the means of the data collected to see the statistical difference between the two groups. Tools such as the perineometer and a Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) will be used to measure the pelvic floor at six weeks and six months postpartum. All participants will be provided with written informed consent prior to enrollment. Participation will be voluntary and all data will be collected and stored confidentially. Ethical approval will ensure that all procedures meet the standards for research involving human subjects, with special consideration for the pregnant population.