Effects of AHEs on DrA in Postpartum Women

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Diastasis Recti

Treatments: Other: Abdominal Hypopressive Training; Other: Conventional Physical therapy for DrA

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05931159

REC/01538 Fatima Iftikhar

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is aimed to determine the effects of Abdominal Hypopressive exercises on IRD, Lumbopelvic pain, Body Image and abdominal muscle function in postpartum women.

Full description

Postnatal women wish to resume abdominal exercises shortly after delivery to improve trunk function and restore the pre-pregnant state of the body. Diastasis recti is a common occurrence in the postpartum period which is associated with both physical impairments and body image concerns. Despite the high prevalence, treatment options are still being explored to identify the best approach to resolve it. Exercise is a conservative method to reduce IRD and improve the associated symptoms and quality of life of postpartum females. Most of the previous studies have used either digital nylon calipers or digital palpation methods for the outcome assessment of DrA which has important implications. Fewer studies have used the gold standard US diagnosis. Despite various studies being conducted on the effect of exercise on DrA, the results are still nonconclusive with a deficiency of a standardized protocol. Multifaceted and clinically meaningful assessments have been proposed to be investigated by the previous literature.

Enrollment: 38 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 12 weeks to 36 weeks postpartum
• Both vaginal delivery and C-section
• Lumbopelvic pain (NPRS >4)
• Diagnosis of DrA by calliper: 3 cm below the umbilicus: >22 mm, at the umbilicus: >20 mm, 3 cm above the umbilicus: >14 mm
• Primiparous females

Exclusion criteria

• Any conditions affecting the ability to perform exercise or activity of daily living.
• Previous spinal or abdominal surgery, and neuromuscular diseases.
• Severe DrA >5cm with the herniation or requiring surgical repair.
• LBP associated with disc herniation, spondylolysis, and degenerative changes of the spine

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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38 participants in 2 patient groups

Abdominal Hypopressive Training

Experimental group

Description:

The Abdominal hypopressive Exercises along with home plan based on conventional exercises.

Treatment:

Other: Abdominal Hypopressive Training

Conventional Physical therapy for DrA

Active Comparator group

Description:

Draw-in maneuver in supine, quarduped, prone lying, bent leg fall outs, curl ups, and front and side planks.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Physical therapy for DrA