Development of Rehabilitation interventions for pelvic floor strength recovery in post-partum women

Women are more susceptible to hormonal and postural disturbances after childbirth. Although most pregnancy-induced physiological adaptations return to the pre-pregnancy state within the first six months postpartum, postural changes may continue for years and subsequently contribute to reduced physical ability and quality of life if not addressed. 

In the UK, 5–6 million women experience pelvic floor muscular dysfunction symptoms, however, due to the taboo nature of the topic, these women are frequently ashamed to seek help and are left unknowledgeable about treatment options. Postpartum women, in particular, believe that these health challenges are unavoidable. As a result they feel uncomfortable and unrelatable talking to a doctor. They turn to their immediate environment which falsely encourages a natural recovery. 

You will develop rehabilitation interventions and science-driven education packages for pelvic floor strength recovery in post-partum women.

Director of Studies: Dr Patrick Esser,
Other Supervisors: Dr Saldiam Barillas, Dr Ethel Burns
Contact: pesser@brookes.ac.uk

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours of undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.

You will be based in the Centre for Movement, Occupation and Rehabilitation Sciences (MOReS), which is currently widening its interdisciplinary research, by the inclusion of multiple Allied Health Professions as well as keeping the strong established links with engineering, exercise science and sports coaching. 

The Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR) forms part of the Department of Sport, Health Sciences and Social Work.