Split Tummy Exercise Program for Reducing Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Primigravidae: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) involves the separation of the midline abdominal muscles and linea alba and affects more than half of postpartum women. This study aimed to assess the effect of a split tummy exercise program (STEP) on DRA closure in postpartum mothers.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2008 to 2020 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre.

Back pain in pregnancy among office workers: risk factors and its impact on quality of life.

Background Back pain is a common presenting complaint during pregnancy and it is often being considered as part of the pregnancy process. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence of back pain in pregnancy, risk factors and its impact on the quality of life in pregnant women. Materials and methods Three hundred and fifty-eight pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Medical Centre were recruited in this cross-sectional study from October 2011 until April 2012.