Postpartum Abdominal Exercises: What Science Reveals

Recent scientific evidence shows that trunk flexion exercises such as the curl-up improve abdominal muscle strength without worsening abdominal diastasis (the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles) in postpartum women, regardless of the mode of delivery.

For a long time, traditional abdominal exercises were discouraged due to the belief that they could worsen rectus abdominis diastasis. However, several short-term experimental studies have demonstrated that traditional abdominal exercises actually narrow the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles.

It has been shown that abdominal exercises did not aggravate diastasis and clearly improved abdominal muscle strength and thickness, although it remains unclear whether these effects were large enough to be considered clinically significant. The exercise program did not change abdominal muscle endurance nor the severity of pelvic floor disorders or low back, pelvic, or abdominal pain.

Therefore, women with mild to moderate diastasis can safely perform these exercises. However, the effects of abdominal exercises in women with severe diastasis still require further investigation.

It is also well established that there is a natural recovery of rectus abdominis diastasis within up to 12 months postpartum, and additional studies are needed to further explore the effects of abdominal training in women with this condition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all women start or continue a regular exercise program during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is important to emphasize the role of a qualified professional in providing proper, individualized guidance and exercise prescription.

Reference:

Gluppe, S. B., Ellström Engh, M., & Bø, K. (2023). Curl-up exercises improve abdominal muscle strength without worsening inter-recti distance in women with diastasis recti abdominis postpartum: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 69(3), July 2023.

Written by: Physiotherapist Marília Monteiro – CREFITO 129693-F