Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises in Postpartum Women
Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises On Inter-recti Distance, Lumbopelvic Pain and Strength In Postpartum Women
Riphah International University
60 participants
Aug 31, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for. The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Age between 18-40 years
- Postpartum duration of 42-49 days
- Inter-recti distance (IRD) between 3-5 cm
- Numeric pain scale score ≤ 6 for pain
- No prior physiotherapy or exercise guidance received
Exclusion Criteria5
- Pain during the training period
- Patients with any heart or respiratory disease including excessive coughing and sneezing
- Patients with any kind of pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Significant organ dysfunction or psychiatric illness
- Diagnosis of malignant tumors
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Interventions
This included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement
This group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down
Locations(2)
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NCT07521085