Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with core stability training in postpartum women with diastasis rectus abdominis.

BACKGROUND

Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) women experience discomfort signs, which had a negative impact like an impairment of the quality of life and functional capacities of women. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and core muscle training (CMT) have provided increasing evidence as an important strategy for DRA. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with core muscle training (TEAS + CMT) in postpartum women with DRA.

METHODS

A total of 96 postpartum women with DRA were randomly assigned to three groups: control (waiting-list group), treatment group 1 (CMT), and treatment group 2 (TEAS + CMT), with 32 participants in each group. Ultimately, 90 participants completed the study (30 in each group). The control group received conventional postpartum natural recovery. Treatment group 1 underwent CMT once daily, five times per week, for four consecutive weeks (one treatment course). Treatment group 2 received TEAS + CMT following the same schedule. Changes in interrectus distance (IRD), waistline (WL), body mass index (BMI), lumbago (measured by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire [SF-MPQ]), and quality of life (assessed via SF-36) were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, each group showed notable reductions in IRD, WL, and BMI(P < 0.05), in with the most significant improvements observed in treatment group 2 (P < 0.05). Lumbago scores (SF-MPQ) distinctly decreased each group (P < 0.05), while quality of life scores (SF-36) evidently improved (P < 0.05), with treatment group 2 showing the most pronounced effects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TEAS + CMT may improve DRA of postpartum women, reduce WL and BMI, alleviate lumbago, and improve quality of life.