Effect of Head Lift Exercise versus Abdominal Supporting Belt on Inter-rectus Distance among Postnatal Women

Anwar Abd Elglil, Asmaa; Sabry Fathy Elbeltagy, Enas; Saied Ibrahim Ali, Heba

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2024.403287

Effect of Head Lift Exercise versus Abdominal Supporting Belt on Inter-rectus Distance among Postnatal Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Woman’s Health and Midwifery Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Kafrelshiekh University, Egypt.

² Lecturer of Woman's Health and Midwifery Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura. University, Egypt

³ Lecturer, Obstetrics & Gynecologic Nursing Dep., Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2024.403287

Abstract

Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis (DRA) muscle is a concerning health issue that commonly affects female within pregnancy and postpartum time. However, regular exercise reduces the risk of developing this complication. This study aimed to compare the effect of head lift exercise versus abdominal supporting belt on inter-rectus distance among postnatal women. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was adopted. This study was conducted at the Fertility Care Center (FCC) at Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura City, Egypt. A Purposive sample of 80 postpartum women were assigned to the head lift exercise and abdominal belt supporting groups equally, where 40 women for each one. Data were collected using three tools; a structured interviewing schedule, distance recti abdomenis assessment tool which include finger palpation and dial caliper measurement and assessment of maternal concerns and satisfaction of abdominal appearance tool. Results: There was significant decrease in the inter-rectus distance (p<0.001) and its associated symptoms (low back pain, pain in the pelvic region, pain in the lower abdomen, pressure or fullness in the pelvic region) among the head lift exercise group than abdominal supporting belt group after 8 and 12 weeks of intervention. Additionally, there was a highly statistically significant difference regarding concerns and satisfaction of abdominal appearance among the head lift exercise group than abdominal supporting belt group after 12 weeks of intervention (p<0.001). Conclusion: Head lift exercise was very effective in reducing DRA and its associated symptoms among postnatal women compared to the abdominal supporting belt. Additionally, perceived level of satisfaction regarding abdominal appearance was high among the exercise group than abdominal belt group Recommendation: Integrate Head lift exercise in the routine care for postnatal women.

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