Physiotherapy training and education prior to elective Caesarean section and its impact on post-natal quality of life: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) is associated with numerous complications that lead to the delayed return to functional activities that have a negative influence on the post-natal quality of life (QOL). It is evident that providing regular evidence-based physiotherapy training and education prior to elective CS helps to enhance the post-natal QOL by improving physical, mental, social, and general well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of physiotherapy training and education prior to elective CS on post-natal QOL. METHODS: This single-blind parallel randomized controlled study was carried out at De Soysa Hospital for Women (DSHW), Colombo. The study enrolled 54 women who were scheduled to undergo elective CS. The intervention group (n = 27) of women received physiotherapy training and education, while the control group (n = 27) received standard nursing care. In addition to the primary outcome measures, post-natal QOL was measured. The results were examined using descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test in IBM SPSS 20. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a higher post-natal QOL for the domains of physical function, role limitation due to physical health, energy/fatigue, and pain than the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy training and education prior to elective CS play a pivotal role in improving the physical health-related domains of QOL following CS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (https://www.slctr.lk). Registration number: SLCTR/2019/029-APPL/2019/028; Registration date: 6th of September 2019.