Recovery of Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Contractile Function in Women after Childbirth

Mako Fukano; Yuka Tsukahara; Seira Takei; Sayaka Nose-Ogura; Tomoyuki Fujii; Suguru Torii

doi:10.3390/ijerph18042130

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Recovery of Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Contractile Function in Women after Childbirth

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Recovery of Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Contractile Function in Women after Childbirth

Mako Fukano, Yuka Tsukahara, Seira Takei, Sayaka Nose-Ogura, Tomoyuki Fujii and Suguru Torii

International journal of environmental research and public health, Vol.18(4), pp.1-9

02/22/2021

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042130

PMCID: PMC7926552

PMID: 33671663

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Abstract

Abdominal muscles may be both morphologically and functionally affected by pregnancy. Dysfunction of the muscles can lead to persistent postpartum low back pain. The recovery process of the abdominal muscles following childbirth is not well understood. This study aimed to demonstrate the changes in the thickness and contractile function of abdominal muscles during the first six months postpartum. Nine perinatal and 15 nulliparous females participated. The thicknesses and contraction/relaxation thickness ratios of the rectus abdominis (RA), external abdominal oblique (EO), internal abdominal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) were measured using ultrasound images from 36-39 weeks' gestation until six months postpartum. The RA, IO, and TrA muscles were thinner in perinatal females than controls at 36-39 weeks of gestation (4.8 vs. 9.47 mm (RA), 5.45 vs. 7.73 mm (IO), 2.56 vs. 3.38 mm (TrA), respectively). The thinner IO muscle persisted for six months after delivery. The decreased TrA thickness ratio persisted until four months post-delivery. Abdominal muscle thickness and contractile function decreased in the postpartum period. Therefore, abdominal muscle exercises might help prevent postpartum symptoms; however, because deterioration of muscle function is significant in the first four months, careful attention should be paid to exercise intensity. The study limitation was a relatively small sample size, thus future studies should involve more participants.

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences & Ecology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Recovery of Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Contractile Function in Women after Childbirth
Creators: Mako Fukano - Shibaura Institute of Technology
Yuka Tsukahara - Keio University
Seira Takei - The University of Tokyo
Sayaka Nose-Ogura - The University of Tokyo
Tomoyuki Fujii - The University of Tokyo
Suguru Torii - Waseda University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: International journal of environmental research and public health, Vol.18(4), pp.1-9
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042130
PMID: 33671663
PMCID: PMC7926552
NLM abbreviation: Int J Environ Res Public Health
ISSN: 1661-7827
eISSN: 1660-4601
Publisher: Mdpi
Number of pages: 9
Grant note: 187100000321 / Japan Sports Agency in support of female athletes
Language: English
Date published: 02/22/2021
Academic Unit: Family and Community Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984738106602771

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