Lee N-E1, Lee W-H2, Bae Y-H3, Fong SSM4
1HML Human Motion Lab, Incheon, Korea (South), 2Sahmyook University, Department of Physical Therapy, Seoul, Korea (South), 3Korea Worker's Compensation & Welfare Service, Rehabilitation Clinical Research Center, Incheon, Korea (South), 4The University of Hong Kong, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Background: Rectus abdominis, one of the muscles that undergo changes during pregnancy, begins to spread from the 14th week of pregnancy and occurs most frequently during the third quarter and continues until the birth. The function of the abdominal muscles is also influenced by structural adaptations that occur during pregnancy. There is insufficient information on the effects of pilates on the structure and function of rectus abdominis in women after childbirth.
Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pilates on inter- recti distance(IRD), thickness of the rectus abdominis(RA), waist circumference and abdominal endurance in primiparous women.
Methods: Thirty-five participants following primiparous women were assigned to a pilates exercise group (n=20) and a control group (n=15). The pilates was applied to the exercise group for 50 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Two out of five sessions were self-exercising. Ultrasound measured the inter-recti distance at three locations along the linea alba and thickness of the RA. Abdominal endurance was measured with curl up for 1 minute. In addition, the waist circumference was measured with a tape measure.
Results: According to intervention, the exercise group showed significantly improved results in all location inter-recti distance, waist circumference and abdominal endurance (p 0.001). Also Compared to the control group and experimental group shows significantly improved performance for inter-recti distance, waist circumference, abdominal endurance.
Conclusion(s): The results of this study demonstrate that pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal endurance in primiparous women. The pilates is considered to be an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in postpartum women.
Implications: It is possible to suggest Pilates as an effective exercise method to improve the inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and endurance strength of postpartum women.
Keywords: Pilates, postpartum period, rectus abdominis
Funding acknowledgements: No
Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pilates on inter- recti distance(IRD), thickness of the rectus abdominis(RA), waist circumference and abdominal endurance in primiparous women.
Methods: Thirty-five participants following primiparous women were assigned to a pilates exercise group (n=20) and a control group (n=15). The pilates was applied to the exercise group for 50 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Two out of five sessions were self-exercising. Ultrasound measured the inter-recti distance at three locations along the linea alba and thickness of the RA. Abdominal endurance was measured with curl up for 1 minute. In addition, the waist circumference was measured with a tape measure.
Results: According to intervention, the exercise group showed significantly improved results in all location inter-recti distance, waist circumference and abdominal endurance (p 0.001). Also Compared to the control group and experimental group shows significantly improved performance for inter-recti distance, waist circumference, abdominal endurance.
Conclusion(s): The results of this study demonstrate that pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal endurance in primiparous women. The pilates is considered to be an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in postpartum women.
Implications: It is possible to suggest Pilates as an effective exercise method to improve the inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and endurance strength of postpartum women.
Keywords: Pilates, postpartum period, rectus abdominis
Funding acknowledgements: No
Topic: Women's & men's pelvic health
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Sahmyook university
Ethics committee: Institutional Review Board
Ethics number: 2-1040781-AB-N-01-2017060HR
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
