Effectiveness of a Structured Postnatal Exercise Module in Enhancing Maternal IndependenceDuring the Postpartum Recovery Period

Nurniati Tianastia Rullyni; Vina Jayanti; Sabtini Ika Putri

doi:10.69725/imchp.v3i1.353

Authors

Nurniati Tianastia Rullyni Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.
Vina Jayanti Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.
Sabtini Ika Putri Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69725/imchp.v3i1.353

Keywords:

Postnatal exercise, Maternal independence, Postpartum, Midwifery

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured postnatal exercise module in enhancing maternal independence during the postpartum recovery period.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a pretest–posttest control-group design was conducted among 30 postpartum women in Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia. Participants were allocated equally to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received a structured postnatal exercise module incorporating illustrated educational materials, progressive exercise guidance, daily activity monitoring, and self-evaluation tools, whereas the control group received routine postpartum care. Maternal independence was assessed across personal hygiene, early mobilization, breastfeeding-related activities, and newborn care. Data were analyzed using comparative statistical tests and logistic regression.

Findings: Maternal independence was substantially higher among mothers who received the structured postnatal exercise module than among those receiving routine care. The intervention was positively associated with greater independence in essential postpartum self-care and newborn-care activities, indicating that combining structured education with guided physical activity can strengthen maternal functional capability.

Research limitations/implications: The relatively small sample size, purposive sampling, single-site setting, and quasi-experimental design limit the generalizability and causal interpretation of the findings. Larger multicenter randomized studies with longer follow-up periods are required to examine the sustainability and broader applicability of the intervention.

Practical implications: Integrating structured postnatal exercise modules into routine postpartum services may provide healthcare professionals with a practical approach to strengthening maternal self-care capability and independence, particularly in geographically dispersed or resource-constrained settings.

Originality/value: This study advances postpartum-care research by positioning maternal independence as a multidimensional functional outcome and integrating guided exercise, health education, behavioral monitoring, and self-directed learning within a single contextually adapted intervention.

Author Biographies

Nurniati Tianastia Rullyni, Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.

Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Indonesia.
Vina Jayanti, Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.

Vina Jayanti is a lecturer in the field of Midwifery in the Diploma III Midwifery program at the Ministry of Health’s Polytechnic of Health Sciences (Poltekkes Kemenkes) in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Indonesia. She completed her DiplomIII in Midwifery in 2009 at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang. Subsequently, she pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health at Muhammadiyah University Prof. Dr. Hamka in 2012. In 2014, she began serving as a lecturer in the Diploma III Midwifery program at the Ministry of Health Polytechnic (Poltekkes Kemenkes) Tanjungpinang. During her tenure, she also completed her midwifery professional education at the Ministry of Health Polytechnic Jambi in 2022. Her academic interests include reproductive health, research, and the translation of research findings into practice. She is also active in writing scientific publications, as well as developing textbooks and book chapters. She can be contacted email : vjdosenbidan@gmail,com
Sabtini Ika Putri, Diploma III Midwifery Study Program, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang, Tanjungpinang, Kepulauan Riau 29113, Indonesia.

Sabtini Ika Putri, Amd.Keb., S.K.M., completed her Associate Degree in Midwifery at the Riau Ministry of Health Health Polytechnic, Midwifery Program in Tanjungpinang, and graduated in 2009. She then continued her studies toward a Bachelor of Public Health (B.P.H.) degree at the University of Indonesia with a concentration in Reproductive Health, which she successfully completed in 2018. After completing her Associate Degree, from 2010 to March 2011, Sabtini served as a village midwife in Ekang Anculai Village, Bintan Regency, providing maternal and child health services and supporting local public health programs. Since March 2011, she has been working at the Tanjungpinang Health Polytechnic as an Educational Laboratory Technician in the DIII Midwifery Program, where she is responsible for laboratory management. Sabtini has a strong interest in midwifery and public health, particularly in improving maternal and child reproductive health, empowering pregnant women, and developing community-based midwifery services. Additionally, she is actively involved in community service and research activities at Tanjungpinang Health Polytechnic, and serves as a mentor and facilitator in various student and community development programs.

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