All subjects were operated by the same obstetrician (SB) and lower segment transverse incision technique was used for the cesarean section. After delivery, patients were transferred to their rooms within the obstetric ward. Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate) and body temperatures were assessed regularly. Patients were not allowed to feed orally before bowel movements had started. For post-operative pain control in the first 24 h, meperidine (50 mg, 4 × 1) and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicine (4 × 1) were administered intravenously. If required by the patient, additional analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications were also administered by the nurses, who were blinded to the group assignment. Patients were encouraged for early ambulation after delivery if they were not hypotensive and uterine bleeding was under control. Initially, they ambulated 10-15 m inside their rooms, and the intensity increased in hours and days. Patients were usually discharged wit

Thoracic expansion exercises and huffing technique Lower limb exercises TENS with frequency of 120 Hz and pulse width of 60 μs was used for 30 min in every session Connective tissue manipulation (CTM) to the sacral and lumbar regions, Education (proper use of body mechanics during baby caring and daily activities; improving posture; anatomy and functions of the pelvic floor and Knack maneouvre)

Intensity of incision pain was evaluated by horizontal 0-10 cm visual analogue scales (VASs:0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain).

Intensity of difficulty in functional activities was evaluated by horizontal 0-10 cm visual analogue scales (VASs:0 = no difficulty, 10 = unable to perform the activity).

Time from transfer to obstetric department room to first ambulation after cesarean.

Time of breaking gas and defecation after Cesarean.

Heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and body temperature