Comparison of Two Abdominal Exercise Programs on the Interrect Distance

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The objective of the research is to compare two programs of exercises in postpartum woman, one based in abdominal strengthening exercises and the other based in abdominal hypopresive exercise.

Detailed Description
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Diastasis recti abdominisis the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba with a consequent separation of fibres and widening of the same. The linea alba has different functions which include supporting the proximal anterior recti, guaranteeing the stability of the vertebral column, pelvis and the pelvic floor, and intervening in the function of the abdominal muscles since it serves as their anterior anchorage. The crunch abdominal exercise (classic abdominal) is the most studied exercise used to test the behaviour of the linea alba, and in most cases, a decrease in the inter-rectus distance is observed when compared to the resting stage. In the oder hand, Abdominal hypopresives exercises were designed for women in the postpartum period but the effects over the abdominal muscles is unknown and the authors are unaware of any study that evaluates the effect of a hypopressive exercise program on the interrectus distance. The objective of the research is to compare two programs of exercises in postpartum woman, one based in abdominal strengthening exercises and the other based in abdominal hypopresive exercise.

Official Title
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Comparison of Two Abdominal Exercise Programs on the Interrect Distance in Postpartum Woman

Conditions
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Postpartum Period

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Classic abdominal strengthening exercises
* Other: Hypopressive abdominal exercises program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Women having given birth 8 weeks before starting the study treatment Women agree to participate in the study Women with vaginal delivery. Exclusion Criteria: Women with abdominal hernia Pregnancy woman Previus Abdominal Surgery

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 25 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Classic abdominal exercises Group<br>This group will carry out an abdominal strengthening exercise program based on the classic abdominal exercises. | Other: Classic abdominal strengthening exercises<br>* Classic abdominal strengthening exercises (Curl-up, sit-ups and leg-rise), balance exercises, general mobility and upper limb strengthening exercises.<br>|
| Experimental: Abdominal hypopresives exercise Group<br>This group will carry out an abdominal strengthening exercise program based on the abdominal hypopressives exercises. | Other: Hypopressive abdominal exercises program<br>* Hypopressive abdominal exercises, balance exercises, general mobility and upper limb strengthening exercises<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interrectus distance measure | he participants will be placed in supine decubitus with the knees flexed to 90º with the feet resting on the stretcher and the arms along the body. After receiving the instructions to perform an abdominal crunch, subjects are asked to lift their heads and lift shoulders until the scapula lifts off the table. The ultrasound images will be recorded with an ultrasound scanner (GE Logic and; 4 12MHz, 39mm linear transducer; mode B), in a position of supine rest and a position of muscle activation (isometric contraction), 2 cm and 5 cm above the navel. Centimeters are the unit of measurement. | Baseline, preintervention | 
| Interrectus distance measure | he participants will be placed in supine decubitus with the knees flexed to 90º with the feet resting on the stretcher and the arms along the body. After receiving the instructions to perform an abdominal crunch, subjects are asked to lift their heads and lift shoulders until the scapula lifts off the table. The ultrasound images will be recorded with an ultrasound scanner (GE Logic and; 4 12MHz, 39mm linear transducer; mode B), in a position of supine rest and a position of muscle activation (isometric contraction), 2 cm and 5 cm above the navel. Centimeters are the unit of this measurement. | After the intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maternal age | Age when the woman gave birth. This variable will be managed by the midwives through their clinical history. Years are the unit of this measurement. | Preintervention | 
| Fetal weight | Weight baby This variable will be managed by the midwives through their clinical history. Kilogrames are the unit of this measurement. | Preintervenrion | 
| Number of deliveries | Total of number of deliveries. This variable will be managed by the midwives through their clinical history. Absolut number are the unit of this measurement. | Preintervention | 
| Weight gain during pregnancy | Weight gain during pregnancy. This variable will be managed by the midwives through their clinical history. Kilogrames are the unit of this measurement. | Preintervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Abdominal muscle, Interrectus distance, Abdominal hypopressive exercise, Abdominal crunch exercise