Effect of Pilates Exercises on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

Effect of Pilates Exercises on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Pilates exercises on diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women.

Rectus diastasis is relatively common having negative health consequences for women during and after pregnancy (ante-and postnatal periods). Varying estimates of incidence of rectus diastasis have been reported ranging from 66% to 100% during the third trimester of pregnancy, and up to 53% immediately after delivery. Among patients with urogynecological disorders, 52% were found to have a rectus diastasis and 66% had at least one type of pelvic floor dysfunction.

A diastasis can contribute to lower back pain and strain due to other muscles being overworked or compensating for the lack of integrity of abdominals, unstable core, pelvic and back muscles, poor posture, shallow breathing and uterine prolapse. This may result in altered trunk mechanics, impaired pelvic stability and changed posture, which leave the lumbar spine and pelvis more vulnerable to injury.

Facilitation, concentric activation, and stabilization of the abdominal muscles occurred during core stability exercise are used to correct diastasis recti. Pilates has been known to improve the strength and flexibility of muscles, particularly the abdominal muscles, lower back, hip and buttocks i.e. the core musculature thus helping in improving core stability.

Uptill now, there was no previous studies have examined the impact of Pilates training on rectus abdominis diastasis in postpartum women. So, this study will be valuable benefits for medical services organizations and will increase body of knowledge of physical therapists in scientific field.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Postpartum women (7 days after delivery) having diastasis recti (separation between the two recti more than 2.5cm at the level of umbilicus).
2. Multiparous women (2-3) times delivered vaginally with or without episiotomy.
3. Their age ranged from 20 -35 years old.
4. Their BMI was less than 30 kg/cm2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Abdominal or back surgery.
2. Abdominal hernia.
3. History of abnormal pregnancy, uterine fibroid or polyhydraminos during pregnancy.
4. Neurological disorders as multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal lesion.
5. Musculoskeletal diseases such as fractures muscle strains, severe knee osteoarthritis which may affect their physical activity.