Chaubara

Researchers are evaluating how combining the drawing-in maneuver with resisted ankle dorsiflexion affects postpartum women experiencing diastasis recti. This condition involves separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, leading to pain, reduced strength, increased inter-recti distance, and lowered quality of life. The study focuses on females aged 20 to 45 years, between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum, to assess these interventions' impact. The study randomly assigns 42 women into two groups: one group performs only the drawing-in maneuver, and the other combines this exercise with resisted ankle dorsiflexion. Both interventions are performed two to three times per week over six weeks. The drawing-in maneuver involves holding contractions for 10 seconds, repeated 10 times per session. The resisted ankle dorsiflexion requires pulling the toes toward the shin against resistance, holding for 5 to 10 seconds, three sets of 10 repetitions per leg. Participants undergo evaluations at the start and after six weeks, including pain assessment with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, measurement of inter-recti distance using calipers, abdominal muscle strength via manual muscle testing, and quality of life assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. These assessments help researchers understand the treatments' effects on pain, muscle separation, strength, and overall well-being.