Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

Postpartum low back pain (PLBP) is a prevalent issue affecting 50-60% of women after childbirth. Various interventions including physical therapy, core exercises, and motor control training have been explored to address this concern.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of core stabilization combined with diaphragmatic strengthening using an inspiratory muscle training (IMT®) threshold device in reducing pain and improving core and diaphragm muscle strength in women with PLBP.
Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 postpartum women (aged 20-30 years) with PLBP following normal delivery. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (n=15) received core stabilization exercises along with diaphragmatic strength training using an IMT® device, while Group B (n=15) received core stabilization exercises with diaphragmatic breathing. Both groups underwent 45-minute sessions, twice daily, three times a week, over six weeks. Pain and muscle strength were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT).
Result: Data analysis using paired and unpaired t-tests showed significant improvements in Group A compared to Group B. A highly significant reduction in VAS scores and an increase in MMT scores were observed in Group A (p=0.00001).
Conclusion: Incorporating diaphragmatic strength training using the IMT® device effectively enhances core and diaphragmatic muscle strength while significantly reducing low back pain in postpartum women.