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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-01-2020 | Back Pain | Original Article

Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study

Authors: Fatemeh Ehsani, Nasrin Sahebi, Sanaz Shanbehzadeh, Amir Massoud Arab, Shabnam ShahAli

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP) is a common disorder in women after pregnancy due to ligament laxity and postural changes. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity is important for lumbo-pelvic stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) on TrA and PFM muscle activity and pain intensity in women with postpartum LPP.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 68 women with postpartum LPP. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) and received either SE or GE exercise for 8 weeks three times a week. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to measure the thickness change of TrA muscles during abdominal hollowing (AH) and bladder base displacement. These measurements were used as an indicator of TrA and PFM muscle activity. Pain intensity, thickness changes of the TrA muscle and bladder base displacement were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Results

The results showed that there was no significant difference in pain relief after intervention between groups. The differences in TrA and PFM activity between groups were significant (P < 0.05). PFM and TrA muscle activity was significantly increased after SE in women with postpartum LPP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

SE improved both PFM and TrA muscle function more than GE in women with postpartum LPP. However, the clinical outcome of pain relief was not greater in the SE group.

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Title: Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Fatemeh Ehsani
Nasrin Sahebi
Sanaz Shanbehzadeh
Amir Massoud Arab
Shabnam ShahAli
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-03877-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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