EFFECTIVENESS OF POSTPARTUM EXERCISES ON REDUCING INTERRECTI DISTANCE: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AMONG POSTPARTUM MOTHERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29082/IJNMS/2025/Vol9/Iss3/750Keywords:
Diastasis Rectus Abdominis, inter recti distance, postpartum exercises, postpartum mothersAbstract
Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a common postpartum condition characterized
by a widening of the inter-recti distance (IRD), which may lead to postural changes,
lower back pain, and decreased quality of life. Postpartum exercise is a non
pharmacological intervention designed to strengthen abdominal muscles, improve
core stability, and support the reduction of IRD. This study aims to analyze the
effectiveness of postpartum exercises in reducing inter-recti distance and improving
abdominal muscle recovery among postpartum women. A quasi-experimental pretest
posttest control group design was conducted involving 90 postpartum women who
met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were assigned to treatment and
control groups, with the intervention group receiving validated postpartum exercise
videos performed routinely for six weeks. IRD was measured using a standardized
palpation technique with proven validity and reliability. Additional instruments
included observation sheets, muscle strength assessments, pain scales, and a
postpartum quality-of-life questionnaire using the MPQOL-I (Maternal Postpartum
Quality of Life Instrument). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent
t-tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A significant reduction in IRD was
observed in the treatment group compared with the control group (p = 0.001). The
treatment group demonstrated greater improvement in abdominal muscle
approximation, indicating a positive effect of postpartum exercises on abdominal wall
recovery. Postpartum exercise is effective in reducing inter-recti distance and
promoting abdominal muscle recovery in postpartum women. It is recommended as a
simple, safe, and evidence-based intervention for postpartum care.
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