Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises On Inter-recti Distance, Lumbopelvic Pain and Strength In Postpartum Women
Status: Recruiting
Location: See all (2) locations...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
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
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 40
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:
• • 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
Locations
Other Locations
Pakistan
UOL teaching hospital and sehat medical complex
RECRUITING
Lahore
UOL teaching hospital and sehat medical complex lahore
RECRUITING
Lahore
Contact Information
Primary
imran amjad, phd
imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
03324390125
Time Frame
Start Date:2025-08-31
Estimated Completion Date:2026-09
Participants
Target number of participants:60
Treatments
Experimental: Stability oriented Breathing training
This group will be given combined Kegel exercises and stability-oriented breathing training group with in postpartum women. 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.
Active_comparator: kegels exercises
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