COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING VERSUS ABDOMINAL BRACING COMBINED WITH CORE STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY IN POSTPARTUM WOMEN WITH LUMBOPELVIC PAIN

Background Postpartum lumbopelvic pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition following pregnancy and childbirth, associated with hormonal changes, ligament laxity, weakened core musculature, and altered biomechanics.These factors contribute to reduced lumbopelvic stability and functional limitations.Core stabilization exercises are commonly used to restore spinal stability and alleviate pain.Breathing strategies, including diaphragmatic breathing and abdominal bracing, influence intra-abdominal pressure and deep core muscle activation, potentially enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.Methodology A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 24 postpartum women (6 weeks to 6 months) diagnosed with lumbopelvic pain.Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=12 each).Group A received diaphragmatic breathing combined with core stabilization exercises, while Group B performed abdominal bracing with core stabilization exercises.Interventions