The Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Belt on Postnatal Diastasis Recti

Abstract
Background: Arising concern about intermittent pneumatic compression belt and its effect on postnatal diastasis recti.
Aim of Study: The aim of the present study was to deter-mine the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression belt on postnatal diastasis recti.
Material and Methods: Thirty postnatal women with diastasis recti participated in this study. They were selected from Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic at El-Minia General Hospital, their age ranged from 25-35 years and their BMI was 25-35kg/m2, they were randomly distributed into two equal groups: Study group who received diet (1200kcal/ day), selected exercises program and intermittent pneumatic compression belt for six weeks and control group received diet (1200kcal/day) and selected exercises program for six weeks. Assessment of all women in both groups was carried out before and after treatment program through assessment of weight, BMI, waist circumference, W/H ratio, inter-recti distance (above and below umbilicus) and abdominal fat thickness.
Results: There was a statistical significant improvement (decrease) in weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, inter-recti distance (above and below umbilicus) and abdominal fat thickness in both groups but in favoring to Group A.
Conclusion: Usage of intermittent pneumatic compression belt is an effective method for reducing inter-recti separation and abdominal fat thickness in postnatal diastasis recti.