Efficacy of Core Strengthening Exercise Programs for Alleviating Postpartum Low Back Pain and Physical Function in Women with Caesarean Section-A Narrative Review

Background: A common postpartum concern for women after
caesarean sections is pain and dysfunction of muscles of the lower
back and abdomen, it is a serious global health issue that impacts
many women. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness
of core strengthening exercise Programs on postpartum low back pain
and physical dysfunction in women who have had caesarean sections.
Methods: This study design is a narrative review by computerized
electronic search using databases such as PubMed, PEDro, Scopus,
EMBASE, and the Google Scholar with keywords including postpartum
low back pain, core strengthening programs, caesarean section,
physiotherapy and exercise intervention. The inclusion criteria specified
randomized controlled trials published in English from 2013 till 2024. The
primary focus was postpartum low back pain, and core strengthening
exercise programs were identified as a treatment option. The initial
database search yielded 125 studies, of which 55 were considered
to potentially meet the criteria. Ultimately, 10 journal articles were
included in this study.
Results: Evaluation of these article indicated that core strengthening
exercise programs had a positive impact on postpartum low back pain
and physical function in women after a caesarean section. The review
found that programs lasting at least eight weeks, consisting of three sessions per week, could provide the most substantial
benefits for core strengthening.
Conclusions: The findings of this narrative review showed
that postpartum low back pain can be effectively relieved
and physical function can be improved in women with core
strengthening exercise regimens following a caesarean
section.