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

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.