Empowering Postpartum Health Through Exercise

Plain-language summary

The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to investigate the multidimensional recovery process in postpartum women, with particular focus on body image perception, postural alignment, psychological well-being, and functional capacity. The study aims to evaluate how different structured exercise approaches may influence these interconnected domains during the postpartum period, which is characterized by profound physical, physiological, and psychological adaptations. The study will include women aged 18-45 years, recruited during the third trimester of pregnancy and followed up to 9 months postpartum. Eligible participants will present low levels of physical activity (\<150 minutes/week) and no contraindications to exercise. This population is considered particularly vulnerable due to the coexistence of musculoskeletal changes, fatigue, altered body perception, and increased risk of psychological distress during the postpartum period. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can structured exercise interventions influence body image perception and postural alignment in postpartum women, as assessed by validated tools such as the Body Image Dimensional Assessment (BIDA) and instrumental analysis (Moti Physio system and Gyko inertial sensor)? * Can these interventions impact on psychological well-being and quality of life, including depression, stress, sleep quality, and perceived fatigue, as evaluated through standardized questionnaires (EPDS, PSS, PSQI, SF-36) and functional performance tests? Researchers will compare a sensorimotor training group (SEN), a resistance training group (CR), and a usual care control group (UC) to identify differences in psychological, postural, physiological, and functional outcomes, and to better understand the role of exercise type in postpartum recovery. Researchers will compare a sensorimotor training group (SEN), a resistance training group (CR), and a usual care control group (UC) to identify differences in psychological, postural, physiological, and functional outcomes, and to better understand the role of exercise type in postpartum recovery. Both training interventions are designed to be safe, adaptable, and suitable for postpartum women. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (third trimester), pre-intervention (3 months postpartum), mid-intervention (6 months postpartum), post-intervention (9 months postpartum), and at 6-month follow-up. Particular attention will be given to the interaction between subjective outcomes (e.g., body image perception) and objective measures (e.g., posture and body composition), in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of postpartum recovery trajectories. Participants will: * participate in a 24-week supervised exercise intervention (sensorimotor or resistance training, 2 sessions/week), or receive standard care recommendations (control group). * complete body image questionnaires (BIDA) at each time point to evaluate subjective perception of body changes; * perform postural assessments using non-invasive technologies (Moti Physio for spinal alignment and Gyko inertial sensors for kinematic and postural analysis); * undergo body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), providing measures such as fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body water; * undergo repeated psychological assessments, including physical activity levels (IPAQ), depression (EPDS), perceived stress (PSS), sleep quality (PSQI), and quality of life (SF-36); * undergo functional testing, including balance (e.g., step test, single-leg stance), muscular strength (e.g., handgrip dynamometry, sit-to-stand test), and flexibility (sit-and-reach, scratch test);

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Trial details