Effects of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on the recovery of rectus abdominalis after delivery
10.3760/cma.j.cn341190-20240927-01254
- VernacularTitle:低频神经肌肉电刺激联合运动训练对产后腹直肌恢复的影响
- Author:
Huan CUI
1
;
Guirong ZHAI
1
;
Qing YE
1
;
Yuanyuan CAO
1
Author Information
1. 郑州市妇幼保健院妇产科，郑州 450000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Electric stimulation therapy;
Exercise therapy;
Resistance training;
Postnatal care;
Rectus abdominis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy
2025;32(10):1466-1470
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effects of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on the recovery of rectus abdominis after delivery.Methods:This study used a case-control design. A total of 150 postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis who were admitted to Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study. The patients were divided into a treatment group ( n = 75, receiving low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training) and a control group ( n = 75, receiving exercise training only) based on the different treatment methods used. Both groups underwent treatment for 8 weeks. The inter-rectus distance, abdominal core muscle strength, pain levels, and thickness of the bilateral rectus abdominis muscles were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, the inter-rectus distances at 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus in the treatment group were all smaller than those in the control group ( t = -3.25, -3.49, -4.52, all P<0.05). The time taken for the treatment group to complete the level 1 test of the eight-level abdominal bridge test was significantly longer than that in the control group [(62.00 ± 7.03) seconds vs. (35.89 ± 6.88) seconds, t = 22.99, P<0.05]. The root mean square values of the transverse abdominis muscle on both the affected side and the healthy side during the stepping test in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group [(6.70 ± 0.92) vs. (5.64 ± 0.89), t = 7.17, P<0.05]. The scores for each item on the Global Pain Scale and the total score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The thicknesses of the rectus abdominis muscles on both sides (left side: at the umbilicus, 3 cm below the umbilicus; right side: 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus) in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training can promote the recovery of rectus abdominis function, reduce the inter-rectus distance, improve core muscle strength, increase the thickness of the rectus abdominis, and relieve pain.
