Core muscle strength and stability-oriented breathing training reduces inter-recti distance in postpartum women

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of stability-focused core muscle strength training coupled with respiratory techniques on diminishing the inter-recti distance (IRD) among postpartum women. Methods: A total of 106 women diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis within 42 days following delivery were 1:1 randomly allocated into a control group (n = 53) and an intervention group (n = 53). Both groups underwent standard postpartum follow-up care and independently pursued self-directed rehabilitation exercises. Additionally, the intervention group commenced a 6-week program of core muscle strength stability-oriented breathing training 42 days postpartum. Measurements of IRD were taken both pre- and post-intervention. Results: Prior to the intervention, no statistically significant difference in IRD was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Subsequent to the intervention, notable reductions in IRD measurements were evident above, at the level of, and below the umbilicus in both groups compared to baseline measurements (intervention group: P < 0.001 at all measured points; control group: P = 0.035 above the umbilicus, P < 0.001 at the level of, and below the umbilicus). However, the intervention group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in IRD at all measured points when compared to the control group, demonstrating statistical significance with P = 0.000. Conclusion: Core muscle strength stability-oriented breathing training demonstrates efficacy in reducing IRD among postpartum women.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Core muscle strength and stability-oriented breathing training reduces inter-recti distance in postpartum women ; volume:20 ; number:1 ; year:2025 ; extent:10 ; Open medicine ; 20, Heft 1 (2025) (gesamt 10)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Chen, Chao ; Zhang, Huai-ming ; Shen, Lei ; He, Hua-ping ; Ma, Zhen-yu ; Zhu, Yu-qin ; Geng, Zhao-hui ; Qin, Yan-xia

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/med-2025-1164
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2503010523385.151261214668
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:34 AM CEST