PILATE'S SELECTED EXERCISES EFFECTS ON MUSCLES STRENGTH, TRUNK JOINTS RANGE OF MOTION AND FLEXIBILITY OF WOMEN WITH HYPERLORDOSIS IN IMMEDIATE POST- PARTUM

Pilate's exercise can help strengthen the muscles and improve the post natal mother’s body restoration in post-partum. However, research to support this clime is limited. The aim of this study is to determine the Pilate's exercises effects on muscles strength, trunk joints range of motion and flexibility of women with hyperlordosis in immediate post- partum period. This investigation was done in Shaheed Beheshty hospital, from 23rd September to 2nd October 2013. Thirty new parous women with lumbar hyperlordosis were enrolled. Subjects were selected objectively, and they were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The flexible ruler was used to measure the lumbar lordosis. Sit-up test was used to measure the strength of abdominal muscles; sit-and-reach test was used to measure the flexibility of low back muscles, and lumbo-pelvic rhythm range of motion measured by modified Schoober’s test. The exercise protocol was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week and one hour per session. To compare the mean numbers, paired and sample t-test was used, Statistical significance was set at P ≤.05.The data were analyzed with the use of the Excel and SPSS software package. There was a significant increase in the local strength of abdominal muscles and flexibility of low back muscles (P 14<'> 05). There was no significant difference between experimental and control groups in lumbo-pelvic rhythm range of motion (P 14>'>. 05). Pilate's exercises could have a potential role in women's body restoration in post partum, and it will be useful for health provider at health centers to apply this exercise to help women in post- partum recovery.