| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of the research work: To evaluate the efficiency of physiotherapy on inter-rectus distance decreasing after childbirth based on scientific literature. The objectives of the study: 1. Based on selected studies, analyze the efficiency of physiotherapy in decreasing diastasis recti abdominis distance after childbirth 2. To analyze the applied physiotherapy interventions in postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis. The materials and methods of the study: A systematic literature review was performed. The literature search was conducted in two databases: PubMed and Web of Science. The search for studies took place from January to April 2022. After the identification process, eight studies examining the efficiency of physiotherapy in reducing inter-rectus distance after childbirth were included in a systematic review. The studies included in the review were analyzed, and the information provided in each study was described in: the characteristics of the studies, the distribution of the study sample and groups, the characteristics of the interventions used, the objectives of the studies, and the measurements, methodologies, and results. The results: An analysis of 8 scientific studies has shown the positive effect of physiotherapy on inter-rectus distance decreasing after childbirth. In seven of eight studies, inter-rectus distance reduction was detected as statistically significant (p<0,05). In three studies, physical exercises were combined with other methods (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, abdominal binding, and Kinesio taping). The results have shown that physical exercises combined with other methods are statistically significant (p<0,05) more effective on inter- rectus distance reduction than physical exercise performed alone. The main focus was on diastasis recti abdominis reduction, but it is important to mention that physiotherapy has a positive effect on other measurements. Some studies have shown a positive impact on improved quality of life and decreased low back pain intensity in postpartum women. The conclusions: 1. Physiotherapy interventions after childbirth are an effective treatment of diastasis recti abdominis. It significantly reduces the inter-rectus distance (p<0,05) but also improves the quality of life (p<0,05) and reduces low back pain intensity after childbirth (p<0,05). 2. After analysis of physiotherapy interventions was detected, that physical exercises in the prone position during which trunk muscles are activated (e.g., sit-up, reverse sit-up, reverse trunk twist) significantly help to reduce inter- rectus distance (p<0,05). Physical exercises combined with other methods (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, abdominal binding, and Kinesio taping) are statistically significant (p<0,05) more effective on inter- rectus distance reduction than physical exercise performed alone. |
