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

Hari Babu  L; Mohamed Nainar  A; Gayathri K.C; Sujitha Suthadevan; Ranoji Vijaysing Shinde; Kotteswari. S. G; Mohamed Zerein Fathima.M

Hari Babu L Chief physiotherapist & Research scholar, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, CHRI, Chettinad academy of research and education, CARE, Kelambakkam, Tamil nadu, Chennai, India
Mohamed Nainar A Senior physiotherapist, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad academy of research and education(CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamil nadu, Chennai.
Gayathri K.C DEAN, Chettinad school of Physiotherapy(CSPT), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, (CHRI), Chettinad academy of research and education(CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamil nadu, Chennai.
Sujitha Suthadevan Assistant professor, Satyabhama school of physiotherapy, Satyabhama Institute of science and Technology, Jeppiar nagar, Semmancheri, Tamilnadu, Chennai.
Ranoji Vijaysing Shinde Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, (CHRI), Chettinad academy of research and education(CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamil nadu, Chennai.
Kotteswari. S. G Physiotherapist, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, (CHRI), Chettinad academy of research and education(CARE), Kelambakkam, Tamil nadu, Chennai.
Mohamed Zerein Fathima.M Assistant Professor & Research supervisor, Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry and analysis, School of Pharmaceutical sciences, Vels institute of science technology and advanced studies, VISTAS, Pallavaram, Chennai, India

Keywords: Postpartum Low Back Pain, Core Strengthening Programs, Caesarean Section, Physiotherapy Exercise, and Therapeutic Intervention

Abstract

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 specifiedrandomized 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.
Keywords: Postpartum Low Back Pain, Core Strengthening Programs, Caesarean Section, Physiotherapy
Exercise, and Therapeutic Intervention

How to cite this article:
Babu H L, Nainar M A, Gayathri K C, Suthadevan S, Vijaysing R S, Kotteswari S G, Fathima M Z M. Efficacy of Core Strengthening Exercise Programs for Alleviating Postpartum Low Back Pain and Physical Function in Women with Caesarean Section-A Narrative Review. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2026;15(2):43-51.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.2026014

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