OCCUPATIONAL IMPACT AND SELF-MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR POSTPARTUM PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IN WORKING MOTHERS: A MINI LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64105/sfdhns06Keywords:
Biofeedback; Mobile Applications; Occupational Therapy; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Floor Muscle Training; Postpartum Period; Quality of Life; Self-Management; Telemedicine; Urinary Incontinence.Abstract
Background: Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is common, and it can interfere with the everyday functioning, role performance, and psychosocial well-being, especially in working mothers. PFMT is a popular form of conservative rehabilitation and could be enhanced by access and adherence through technology-assisted methods.
Objective: To assess occupational impact and self-management approaches for postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction in working mothers.
Methods: A narrative literature review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar by including articles released since 2010 and 2025. Qualitative studies, meta-analyses, randomized trials, and systematic reviews were narratively synthesized because of the heterogeneity.
Results: Twenty-two studies were included. Supervised PFMT improved urinary continence and pelvic floor strength. App-guided PFMT supported adherence and symptom reduction. Telehealth-delivered PFMT produced outcomes comparable to in-person delivery. Biofeedback-enhanced PFMT showed additional improvements in continence-related outcomes compared with PFMT alone. Occupation-centred outcomes (e.g., return-to-work, role performance) were inconsistently reported.
Conclusion: PFMT delivered through supervised, digital, telehealth, and biofeedback-supported formats is effective for postpartum PFD. Future research should include occupation-based outcomes to better address the needs of postpartum working mothers.
