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Effects of AHEs on DrA in Postpartum Women

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Diastasis Recti
Interventions
Other: Conventional Physical therapy for DrA
Other: Abdominal Hypopressive Training
Registration Number
NCT05931159
Lead Sponsor
Riphah International University
Brief 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
38
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

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Conventional Physical therapy for DrAConventional Physical therapy for DrADraw-in maneuver in supine, quarduped, prone lying, bent leg fall outs, curl ups, and front and side planks.
Abdominal Hypopressive TrainingAbdominal Hypopressive TrainingThe Abdominal hypopressive Exercises along with home plan based on conventional exercises.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Inter Recti Distance8th Week

Changes from baseline Ultrasound imaging (US) is the gold standard for IRD assessment. USI is an accurate and valid method of measuring IRD size and location. Patient will be graded as having an IRD of \> 22 mm, 3 cm below the umbilicus OR \> 20 mm at the umbilicus OR \>14 mm, 3 cm above the umbilicus.

The Oswestry Disability Index8th Week

Changes from baseline The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a validated, 10-point patient-reported outcome questionnaire. The final score/index ranges from 0-100. A score of 0-20 reflects minimal disability, 21-40 moderate disability, 41-60 severe disability, 61-80 crippled, and 81-100 bed-bound.

Lumbopelvic Pain8th Week

Changes from baseline The NPRS is a segmented numeric version of the visual analog scale (VAS) in which a respondent selects a whole number (0-10 integers) that best reflects the intensity of his/her pain. Zero usually represents 'no pain at all' whereas the upper limit of 10 represents 'the worst pain ever possible'.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Body Shape Questionnaire8th Week

Changes from baseline the Body shape questionnaire is a self-reported measurement of body shape concerns designed for women to measure concerns about body image problems. The questionnaire has 34 items scored from 1 to 6 points. The overall total score range is between 34 to 204.

Double Leg lowering test8th Week

Changes from baseline Double leg lowering test is used to assess abdominal muscles and the ability of muscles to maintain the posterior pelvic tilting position against the load. In this test Both legs are raised to a 90-degree angle (vertically) while keeping the upper body flat on the floor. The score is the angle of the legs in degrees from the floor. Total score ranges from 0 to 90 degrees, where 0 degree corresponds to excellent and 90 degrees is for very poor.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Attock Hospital (Private) Limited

🇵🇰

Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

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