Effect of Exercise on Inter-Recti Distance and Associated Low Back Pain Among Post-Partum Females;  A Randomized Controlled Trial

Zulekha Saleem; Amna Aamir Khan; Sumaira Imran Farooqui; Rehana Yasmeen; Jaza Rizvi

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v15i3.7139

Zulekha Saleem Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Amna Aamir Khan Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Sumaira Imran Farooqui Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Rehana Yasmeen Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Jaza Rizvi Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v15i3.7139

Keywords: Rectus Abdominis; Low Back Pain; Physical Activity; Pelvic Floor; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to emphasize facilitation training and strengthening of abdominal and core muscles in improving the inter-recti distance (IRD) and associated low back pain (LBP) among young postpartum females.

Materials and methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial, among forty young postpartum females, was conducted at a community health center. The females were divided into two equal groups through the envelope method where Group A received abdominal crunch training protocol whereas group B received double straight leg raise (DSLR) exercise protocol for 6 weeks and pre and post IRD and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded.

Results: Group A showed improvement in IRD with a mean difference of 1.95±0.4 whereas in group B it was found to be 2.85±0.35 when assessed through finger palpation method. The mean difference of IRD, when measured through digital nylon caliper method in abdominal crunch and DSLR exercise group was 4.06±0.74 and 1.2±0.49 respectively. Moreover, ODI scores of group A were 2.70±1.05 whereas, group B scores were found to be 1.1±0.06 showing that LBP reduced in participants who performed abdominal crunch exercise.

Conclusion: This study reveals that 6 weeks of exercise protocol was observed to be effective in the management of DRA. Thus, abdominal crunch exercise seemed to produce promising results in a reduction of IRD and associated LBP.