Sonwane Aishwarya Nitin, Shetty Shrajal, Shekhar Sakshi
Department of Community Based Rehabilitation, Institute of Physiotherapy, Srinivas University, City Campus, Pandeshwar, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Indian J Community Med. 2025 Jan-Feb;50(1):220-224. doi: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_455_23. Epub 2025 Jan 23.
The postpartum period is characterized by physiological changes, and maintaining core and pelvic floor muscle strength is crucial for overall health. Flexibar (FB) training, involving oscillating vibrations, shows promise for postpartum muscle strengthening. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of FB training in restoring muscle strength in postpartum women. Eighteen postpartum women, who had given birth within 2 months to 1.5 years prior, participated in a two week FB training program consisting of four sessions per week. Core muscle strength was evaluated using manual muscle testing for trunk flexion, and pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed using the two finger test. Descriptive statistics analysed demographic data and pre/post treatment measurements. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon test and non parametric inter quartile range test. The results showed improvements in core and pelvic floor muscle strength after the 2 week FB training program. Participants demonstrated increased muscle strength, as indicated by positive ranks and significant mean rank differences in both manual muscle testing (P < 0.001) and the two finger test (P < 0.001). This study provides statistical evidence supporting the effectiveness of FB training in restoring core and pelvic floor muscle strength in postpartum women. The dynamic movements and proprioceptive feedback of FB exercises contribute to improved muscle coordination and whole body integration. Further research with larger samples and longer follow up periods is needed to determine optimal training protocols and explore the potential benefits of FB training. These findings enhance our understanding of effective interventions for postpartum muscle strengthening and provide a foundation for future investigations.
产后时期具有生理变化的特点,维持核心肌群和盆底肌肉力量对整体健康至关重要。Flexibar(FB)训练,包括振荡振动,在产后肌肉强化方面显示出前景。本研究旨在评估FB训练对恢复产后女性肌肉力量的有效性。18名在2个月至1.5年前分娩的产后女性参加了为期两周的FB训练计划,每周进行四次训练。使用手动肌力测试评估躯干屈曲的核心肌肉力量,使用两指测试评估盆底肌肉力量。描述性统计分析了人口统计学数据和治疗前后的测量值。统计分析包括Wilcoxon检验和非参数四分位数间距检验。结果显示,为期两周的FB训练计划后,核心和盆底肌肉力量有所改善。参与者表现出肌肉力量增加,手动肌力测试(P < 0.001)和两指测试(P < 0.001)中的正秩和显著的平均秩差异均表明了这一点。本研究提供了统计证据,支持FB训练在恢复产后女性核心和盆底肌肉力量方面的有效性。FB训练的动态运动和本体感觉反馈有助于改善肌肉协调和全身整合。需要进行更大样本量和更长随访期的进一步研究,以确定最佳训练方案并探索FB训练的潜在益处。这些发现增进了我们对产后肌肉强化有效干预措施的理解,并为未来的研究奠定了基础。