Effect of Hypopressive Exercise Versus General Strengthening in Postpartum Women
Effect of Hypopressive Exercise Versus General Strengthening in Postpartum Women
The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a hypopressive abdominal exercise program
 versus a general strengthening exercise program on inter-recti distance, abdominal and lumbar
 muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic floor dysfunction, and
 quality of life in postpartum women. To evaluate the effects of the interventions, the
 subjects will be assessed at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3-months
 follow-up.
The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a hypopressive abdominal exercise program
 versus a general strengthening exercise program on inter-recti distance, abdominal and lumbar
 muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic floor dysfunction, and
 quality of life in postpartum women. To evaluate the effects of the hypopressive exercise,
 the subjects will be assessed at pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at
 3-months follow-up.

 It will consist of a randomized controlled trial study. The sample will consist of women in
 the early postpartum period (6-8 weeks after delivery). Subjects will be randomly allocated
 to two different exercise programs: hypopressive abdominal exercise program and general
 strengthening exercise program. Both interventions will have a total duration of 6 weeks (18
 sessions), 3 times a week, 30 minutes each session.

 To evaluate the effects of the interventions, the subjects will be assessed at
 pre-intervention (6th-8th week postpartum), immediately post-intervention (12th-14th week
 postpartum) and at 3-months follow-up (24th-26th week postpartum). Inter-recti distance,
 abdominal and lumbar muscle thickness, lumbopelvic and abdominal pain and function, pelvic
 floor dysfunction, and quality of life will be measured.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  women aged between 18-45 years old

 -  in the 6th-8th week postpartum

 -  both vaginal or caesarean delivery

 -  both primiparous or multiparous women

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  previous abdominal or pelvic surgery

 -  reasons to suspect metabolic, neurological or neuromuscular disease

 -  multiple birth delivery