EFFICACY OF CORE STABILITY EXERCISES VS ABDOMINAL STRENGTHENING EXERCISES IN POSTPARTUM WOMEN WITH DIASTASIS RECTI ABDOMINIS: (RCT)

Abstract Diastasis recti abdominis, the separation of abdominal muscles often occurring after pregnancy, poses a significant concern for postpartum women. Addressing this condition is crucial for restoring abdominal strength and overall well-being. Which exercise approach, between core stability exercises and abdominal strengthening exercises through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The primary goal of this research is to determine the effectiveness of core stability exercises versus abdominal strengthening exercises in reducing DRA gap width. The study employs a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Forty postpartum women who have undergone vaginal delivery or lower segment caesarean (LSCS) and meet specific inclusion criteria were recruited from Mumtaz Bakhtawar hospital and Bajwa Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. The criteria for including participants consist of an age from 23 to 40 years, BMI of 29kg/m2 or less, postpartum duration 6 months, and the existence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis. Individuals with other disorders were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to either the core stability exercises group or the abdominal strengthening exercises group and not engaged in any other exercise programs during the study duration. Upon completing the study, the anticipated results offered valuable insights into the relative effectiveness of core stability exercises versus abdominal strengthening exercises in treating Diastasis Recti Abdominis. The study's outcomes were measured by assessing the reduction in the gap width between abdominal muscles and improvements in abdominal strength by groups B (Abdominal strengthening). This research addressed the problem of diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women. We conducted the randomized control trial on the 2 exercise groups A and B. Group B (abdominal exercises) had more effect on diastasis recti abdominis than group A (core exercises). We outcome was 90% in favor of abdominal exercises.