A return to running program for the postpartum client: A case report

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to present a return to running program for a postpartum client who had delivered via cesarean section. The client, a 29-year-old female health care professional who was 8 months postcesarean section, was referred to physical therapy for a return to running exercise program. The client had three live births during a 30-month time period (February 2004 to August 2006). During her last labor she underwent an emergency cesarean section because of a low fetal heart rate. Since her surgery the client had not participated in an exercise routine. Following an 8-week training program the client was able to demonstrate both quantitative and qualitative functional improvements, including running a 12-minute mile. This case describes a successful return to running program for a postpartum client who delivered her child via cesarean section. Future research is warranted to determine the optimal evaluation strategy and exercise training programs for this population.

Notes

Note on Abdominal Bracing: The abdominal brace is an isometric contraction of the abdominal wall musculature (with no inward or outward movement of the abdominal wall) with co-contraction of the lumbar musculature (McGill, 2002). The client received instruction in this technique and was encouraged to perform the brace with each core stability exercise.