The Effect of Hypopressive Abdominal Exercise Versus General Strengthening Exercise on Abdominopelvic and Lumbar Function in Postpartum Women
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Postpartum Women
- Sponsor
- University of Valencia
- Enrollment
- 58
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Inter-recti distance
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a hypopressive abdominal exercise program versus a general strengthening exercise program on inter-recti distance, abdominal and lumbar muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic floor dysfunction, and quality of life in postpartum women. To evaluate the effects of the interventions, the subjects will be assessed at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up.
Detailed Description
The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a hypopressive abdominal exercise program versus a general strengthening exercise program on inter-recti distance, abdominal and lumbar muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic floor dysfunction, and quality of life in postpartum women. To evaluate the effects of the hypopressive exercise, the subjects will be assessed at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. It will consist of a randomized controlled trial study. The sample will consist of women in the early postpartum period (6-8 weeks after delivery). Subjects will be randomly allocated to two different exercise programs: hypopressive abdominal exercise program and general strengthening exercise program. Both interventions will have a total duration of 6 weeks (18 sessions), 3 times a week, 30 minutes each session. To evaluate the effects of the interventions, the subjects will be assessed at pre-intervention (6th-8th week postpartum), immediately post-intervention (12th-14th week postpartum) and at 3-months follow-up (24th-26th week postpartum). Inter-recti distance, abdominal and lumbar muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic floor dysfunction, and quality of life will be measured.
Investigators
Mercè Balasch i Bernat
PhD Professor
University of Valencia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •women aged between 18-45 years old
- •in the 6th-8th week postpartum
- •both vaginal or caesarean delivery
- •both primiparous or multiparous women
Exclusion Criteria
- •previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
- •reasons to suspect metabolic, neurological or neuromuscular disease
- •multiple birth delivery
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Inter-recti distance
Time Frame: 3-months follow-up
Inter-recti distance will be measured by ultrasonography at rest, during abdominal draw-in and abdominal curl-up, at 2 locations on the linea alba (2 cm above and below the umbilicus).
Abdominal and lumbar muscles thickness
Time Frame: 3-months follow-up
Transversus abdominis, obliquus internus, obliquus externus and multifidus thickness at rest and during draw-in will be measured by ultrasonography.
Secondary Outcomes
- Severity of the urinary incontinence(3-months follow-up)
- Self-reported quality of life(3-months follow-up)
- Lumbopelvic and abdominal muscles function(3-months follow-up)
- Lumbar disability(3-months follow-up)
- Sexual dysfunction(3-months follow-up)
- Lumbopelvic and abdominal pain(3-months follow-up)