Effect of Pilates Exercises on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

This was used for all women in both groups (A and B) for 8 weeks starting from the 7th days after delivery. The women was asked to wear the abdominal belt throughout the day except when bathing, eating and sleeping. The binder was worn over the skin directly or on a thin layer of clothing. The side of the abdominal binder without the straps was pulled over by the woman's stomach with one hand. The side of the binder with straps was stretched across the stomach and pulled to the center of the abdomen. The straps then was fitted into the buckles. Women were instructed not to wear the binder too tight or too loose as it might irritate the skin and produce difficulty in breathing creating discomfort. They were asked to inspect their skin regularly for any signs of sensitivity.

"The Pilates exercise program for the study group (B) consisted of a 10-minute warm-up with low-intensity exercises, followed by a 40-minute central part with floor exercises like leg circles, kicks, and stretches. It included the classic hundred exercise, performed with proper form. Each exercise had two sets of 10 repetitions. The session ended with a 10-minute cool-down of stretching exercises, supervised by a physical therapist. The program was conducted three times per week, one hour per session, for eight weeks, starting from the 7th day after delivery."