Evaluating muscle function in women after childbirth

Neuromuscular Biomechanics of the Lumbopelvic Stabilizing Muscles in Nulligravid and Postpartum Women

Not applicable Interventional Carroll University · NCT05073224

This study tests how well women who have recently given birth can control their muscles in their legs and trunk during exercises to see if there are any factors that affect their muscle function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCarroll University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Waukesha, Wisconsin and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05073224 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates lower extremity and trunk neuromuscular control in 78 nulligravid and postpartum women. Participants will attend two experimental sessions to assess their neuromuscular function and physical activity levels. The study aims to quantify limb steadiness during fatiguing exercises and identify factors that contribute to neuromuscular function in postpartum women. This novel approach seeks to provide insights into muscle activity and control that have not been previously studied in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include postpartum women who are primiparous and nulligravid women who have never been pregnant.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple gestations, significant orthopedic conditions, or chronic health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of muscle function in postpartum women, potentially enhancing their recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: This study is novel and has not been previously tested, as it aims to quantify lower extremity force control in postpartum women for the first time.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Post-partum
* Primiparous (this is their first child)

Exclusion Criteria:

* multiple gestation
* prescription anti-inflammatory/pain medications that are taken daily
* significant orthopedic conditions that would contraindicate performance of the fatigue task (such as fractures, severe scoliosis, etc)
* cardiovascular \& pulmonary disease
* neuromuscular health conditions (such as diabetes, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, seizures, etc)
* history of previous abdominal surgery (with the exception of Cesarean delivery)

Nulligravid Women (Controls)

* Women from the surrounding community will also be recruited to serve as controls
* Nulligravid women will meet the same inclusion/exclusion criteria as the postpartum women, with the exception of never having been pregnant

Where this trial is running

Waukesha, Wisconsin and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PostpartumMuscle FatigueForce SteadinessNulligravidMuscle Weakness
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.