NCT05931159

Effects of AHEs on DrA in Postpartum Women

Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Exercises on Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Women

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 38 (actual)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Conditions

• Diastasis Recti

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Abdominal Hypopressive Training	Week 1 and 2 - Patient education , Hypopressive Maneuvers in Standing, Sitting and Supine 5-7 repetitions x 5 sets, with a 10-second hold each time, rest for 30 seconds between each set, 2 days/week. Week 3 and 4, Hypopressive breathing in with varying arm movements along with Week 1 and 2 protocols. Week 5 to 8 - Hypopressive breathing in kneeling, Four-point kneeling and sitting, and supine positions with varying arm movements 5-7 repetitions x 5 sets, with a 10-second hold each time, rest for 30 seconds between each set, 2 days/week.
OTHER	Conventional Physical therapy for DrA	Week 1 to 4, Draw-in maneuver in supine, Quadruped and Prone lying, Bent knee Fallouts and Curl ups. (8 to 12 repetitions x 3 sets, 2 days/week) Week 5 to 8, Front and side planks added to week 1 to 4 exercises. (12 to 20 repetitions x e sets, 2 days/week)

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-06-13
• Primary completion: 2023-12-01
• Completion: 2023-12-22
• First posted: 2023-07-05
• Last updated: 2023-12-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan