Effectiveness of Planned Early Ambulation on Postoperative Recovery among Cesarean Mothers: A Quasi-experimental study in Mangaluru

Abstract Background  Mothers with cesarean section need more attention and care. Early ambulation is the essential to restore the maximum muscle function and improve the health during postoperative period. Early ambulation certainly has proven to be effective in preventing postoperative complications. Aim  To evaluate the effectiveness of early ambulation on postoperative recovery among cesarean mothers. Methods  Nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 cesarean mothers, with 30 samples in each of the experimental and control group. Mothers in the intervention group received bed exercises by the investigator such as flexion and extension of the extremities, upper limb exercises, lower limb exercise, turning the patient, sitting with dangling the feet, and deep breathing exercises which was initiated at 10 hours of cesarean section followed by standing and walking at 12 hours of cesarean section for twice a day, whereas the control group received routine treatment as per the hospital protocol. Demographic proforma was used to assess the demographic characteristics, and structured postoperative recovery assessment tool was used to assess four major components such as pain, breast feeding, postnatal changes, and activity of daily living. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical Analysis  Significant difference in the postoperative recovery score was calculated by using RM-ANOVA and independent t -test and the association of postoperative recovery score with selected demographic variables done by chi-square test. Results The majority of mothers in intervention (66.7%) and control group (63.3%) were 24 to 29 years old and had secondary education (60% each). There was significant difference in breast feeding ( p  = 0.001), involution of uterus ( p  = 0.047), amount of lochia ( p  = 0.027), and activity of daily living in the intervention group ( p  < 0.05) compared with the control group. Conclusion  Early ambulation improves the postoperative recovery and helps to achieve a good sense of well-being.