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Updated: May 23, 2025

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Core muscle strength and stability-oriented breathing training reduces inter-recti distance in postpartum women
Chao Chen1, Huai-Ming Zhang2, Lei Shen3
1Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Tang Zhen Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, 201210, China.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of stability-focused core muscle strength training coupled with respiratory techniques on diminishing the inter-recti distance (IRD) among postpartum women.
Methods:
A total of 106 women diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis within 42 days following delivery were 1:1 randomly allocated into a control group (n = 53) and an intervention group (n = 53). Both groups underwent standard postpartum follow-up care and independently pursued self-directed rehabilitation exercises. Additionally, the intervention group commenced a 6-week program of core muscle strength stability-oriented breathing training 42 days postpartum. Measurements of IRD were taken both pre- and post-intervention.
Results:
Prior to the intervention, no statistically significant difference in IRD was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Subsequent to the intervention, notable reductions in IRD measurements were evident above, at the level of, and below the umbilicus in both groups compared to baseline measurements (intervention group: P < 0.001 at all measured points; control group: P = 0.035 above the umbilicus, P < 0.001 at the level of, and below the umbilicus). However, the intervention group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in IRD at all measured points when compared to the control group, demonstrating statistical significance with P = 0.000.
Conclusion:
Core muscle strength stability-oriented breathing training demonstrates efficacy in reducing IRD among postpartum women.
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