Online vs. Supervised Training for Postpartum Women
Author Information
Author(s): Tim Sabina, Agnieszka Mazur-Bialy, Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, Emilio Piccione
Primary Institution: Jagiellonian University Medical College
Hypothesis
This study aimed to assess the occurrence of urinary incontinence and diastasis recti in postpartum women and evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy in managing these conditions.
Conclusion
Supervised physiotherapy is more effective than online sessions in managing postpartum urinary incontinence and diastasis recti.
Supporting Evidence
- Supervised physiotherapy resulted in a higher frequency and correct performance of pelvic floor muscle exercises compared to online and control groups.
- Diastasis recti incidence dropped significantly from 76.2% in early postpartum to 23.4% at six weeks.
- Women in the supervised group reported fewer urological complaints than those in the online and control groups.
Takeaway
This study found that women who did exercises with a physiotherapist after giving birth had better results than those who did them online or just got instructions.
Methodology
Women were randomized into three groups: control (education only), online exercise group, and supervised exercise group, with data collected through questionnaires and assessments.
Potential Biases
Potential inaccuracies in self-assessment of diastasis recti by participants.
Limitations
The sample size for each group was small, and the study did not assess pelvic floor muscle strength or types of urinary incontinence.
Participant Demographics
396 women, aged over 18, within 3rd to 5th day postpartum, including 213 primiparous and 183 multiparous women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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