Prenatal Pilates and Postpartum Ligamentous Laxity

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.

NCT Number	NCT07344857
Lead Sponsor	Ankara Medipol University
Conditions	Laxity of Ligament, Pregnancy, Pilates Exercise
Enrollment	42 participants
Start Date	2025-11-20
Primary Completion	2026-01-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-01-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-01-22