Changes in Abdominal Muscles Performance in Postpartum Women.

Changes in Abdominal Muscles Performance and Inter-rectus Distance in Postpartum Women: an Ultrasonography and Electromyographic Study.

To describe and compare abdominal muscles and inter-rectus distance conditions in postpartum period in comparison with nulliparous women. Also to describe the activation changes during different abdominal exercises.

Pregnancy and childbirth cause corporal changes in women, altering the structure and function of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. The distension of the muscular tissue and the possible diastasis recti can alter the performance of the abdominal musculature in the control of intra-abdominal pressure and the lumbo-pelvic stabilization in postpartum term. Abdominal exercise is highly recommended to restore these changes but there is not enough evidence about the effects of exercise modalities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primiparous women
• Normal not operative delivery
• One child delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Two or more previous gestation
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Systemic disease, neurologic or metabolic disease