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NCT Number: NCT06803979

Impact of Delivery Method Elite Athletes.

Labor itself can occur spontaneously vaginally, with the help of extraction methods, or via cesarean section. It can also be planned or awaited for the spontaneous onset of uterine contractions. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages regarding potential damage to the pelvic floor and its stability in vaginal delivery or extraction methods, or concerning the stability of the abdominal wall with subsequent wound healing after a cesarean section.

The aim of the study is to retrospectively and prospectively determine the impact of the method of delivery on the performance of female athletes through a questionnaire study. Investigators would like to answer the question of whether cesarean delivery means a later return to training for athletes, whether pregnancy is problematic for female athletes in relation to their BMI, and whether pregnancy often signifies the end of a sports career for female athletes. The questionnaire also includes questions regarding overall women's health-menstrual cycle, incontinence, and mental health of female athletes. Prospectively, the questionnaire will be sent to all female athletes who meet representation limits once a year and for two years after retiring from the national team.

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Key information

Conditions

Delivery Athletes Caesarean Section Performance Pregnancy

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady

Prague, 11000, Czechia

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Jan Zapletal, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+420607882602

About this study

Childbirth and pregnancy are among the most significant moments in a woman's life. The method of delivery is currently a highly debated topic with potential impacts on a woman's future physical and mental health. For elite female athletes, this issue is amplified, as pregnancy and childbirth significantly affect their performance and careers, and it is often necessary to plan pregnancies in consideration of current sporting events and ongoing physical training.

Labor itself can occur spontaneously vaginally, with the help of extraction methods, or via cesarean section. It can also be planned or awaited for the spontaneous onset of uterine contractions. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages regarding potential damage to the pelvic floor and its stability in vaginal delivery or extraction methods, or concerning the stability of the abdominal wall with subsequent wound healing after a cesarean section.

The aim of the study is to retrospectively and prospectively determine the impact of the method of delivery on the performance of female athletes through a questionnaire study. The investigators would like to answer the question of whether cesarean delivery means a later return to training for athletes, whether pregnancy is problematic for female athletes in relation to their BMI, and whether pregnancy often signifies the end of a sports career for female athletes. The questionnaire also includes questions regarding overall women's health-menstrual cycle, incontinence, and mental health of female athletes. Prospectively, the questionnaire will be sent to all female athletes who meet representation limits once a year and for two years after retiring from the national team.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Elite female athletes meeting representation limits and included in national teams organized under the Czech Olympic Committee and individual sports federations.

Exclusion criteria

  • Any male

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Performance

    Time frame: 2 years retrospectively and through study completion, an average of 5 years

    Best score will be used to compare performance of the athletes prior to delivery and after delivery

  2. Performance

    Time frame: 2 years retrospectively and through study completion, an average of 5 years

    Best time will be used to compare performance of the athletes prior to delivery and after delivery

  3. Performance

    Time frame: 2 years retrospectively and through study completion, an average of 5 years

    Most points scored will be used to compare performance of the athletes prior to delivery and after delivery

  4. Placement of athletes during competitions

    Time frame: Prior to delivery and 2 years after the delivery

    Best achievements according to athletes (for example 3rd place on Olympic Games) prior to delivery and after delivery

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Jan Zapletal, MUDr.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+420607882602

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

The Impact of Delivery Method on the Performance of Elite Athletes.

Acronym: IDEA

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2040
Study completion
2040
First posted
Jan 31, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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