RESUMO
AIM: To examine the effectiveness of the Paula Method exercises in comparison to standard care on resumption of gastrointestinal (GI) activity in women postelective caesarean delivery (CD). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial on a postpartum unit of a university medical centre. METHODS: Sixty-four women following elective CD performed under regional anaesthesia were recruited between 2 February-3 July 2018. Participants were randomized into two groups: The Paula Method exercise group (intervention group) and the control group. Women in the intervention group performed circular muscle exercises according to the Paula Method and received standard care, while those in the control group were treated only with standard care. Time to first bowel sounds, passage of first flatus and first defecation after CD were measured. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the time to passage of first flatus, in favour of the intervention group (24.07 [6.85] hours versus 39.07 [10.37] hours; p < .001). No significant differences between the groups were found for other main outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Paula Method exercises post CD can serve as natural and convenient alternative to the standard, conservative treatment to promote resumption of GI activity. IMPACT: CD can be associated with postoperative ineffective peristalsis that can lead to a paralytic ileus. Since standard methods are not sufficient for all women, there is a need for alternative modalities to accelerate the resumption of bowel functioning. In the Paula Method exercise group, time to first flatus passage occurred significantly sooner compared with the control group. Time to first defecation was earlier in the Paula Method exercise group but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Along with gum chewing, Paula Method exercises can be part of a simple and inexpensive GI activation strategy post CD. Further research should be performed using these exercises post other operative procedures.
