After reviewing the literature, it was found a prevalence of bibliographical references on abdominal surgery and a lack of articles and scientific publications on the problem of caesarean sections. The aim was to investigate the relationship between the presence of abdominal scars resulting from caesarean section and changes in postural control - stability and orientation - and abdominal and lumbar neuromuscular control.
The study aimed to relate the presence of abdominal scars from cesarean section with changes in postural control - stability and orientation - and abdominal and lumbar neuromuscular control in the standing position. In addition, it was also aimed to evaluate the correlation between neuromuscular variables and variables related to postural stability and orientation and scar mobility.
Cross-sectional analytical observational study, comparing healthy primiparous women who delivered by cesarean section (n=9) and physiologic delivery (n=12) more than one year ago. The relative activity level of the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis/oblique internus and lumbar multifidus muscles, antagonist co activation (electromyograph), the ellipse area, amplitude, displacement, velocity, standard deviation, and spectral power of the center of pressure (pressure platform), and thoracic and lumbar curvatures (Spinal Mouse), were evaluated in the standing position in both groups. In the "cesarean delivery" group, scar mobility (modified adheremeter) was evaluated. Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests for two independent samples were used, with a significance level of 0.05.
There were no significant differences between groups in the level of muscle activity, antagonist co-activation and thoracic and lumbar curvatures (p>0.05). There were significant differences in the parameters CoP displacement, medial-lateral velocity (VEL ML) and mean velocity (VEL Mean) (p0.050) between groups. There were significant positive correlations between variables of deep muscle activity and stabilometry in the cesarean section group, and between muscle activity and spinal curvatures in both groups.
Although there were significant differences in some indicators of postural stability between women with and without c-section, these are not enough to state with certainty that women with caesarean scars have less postural control. More studies are needed on this subject.
The study suggests c-section scars impact postural stability, highlighting the need for targeted physiotherapy to improve postural control in post-cesarean women, refining clinical practice and rehabilitation protocols.
Postural Control
Stabilometry
