Respiratory and Internal Unit Muscle Training in Diaphragmatic Thickness and Mobility and Lombar Stability of Pregnant Women: Case Study

Introduction: During pregnancy there are changes in the female body mediated by hormones that determine the need for new postural adjustments to compensate for the change in the center of gravity. Such adjustments tend to negatively impact the stabilizing function of the lower trunk, predisposing to dysfunction in the spine, pelvic floor and respiratory pattern. Objective: To evaluate the effects of respiratory muscle training and internal unit on the thickness and diaphragmatic mobility and lumbar stability of pregnant women. Methods: Experimental and controlled clinical trial involving women with gestational age ranging from 12 to 32 weeks. The volunteers were submitted to postural evaluation, ultrasonography of the diaphragm and evaluation of inspiratory and maximal expiratory pressure through the manovacuometer before the first and after the last session. Respiratory muscle training was performed using the IMT and PEP threshold and lumbar and pelvic stabilization exercises. Results: Ten pregnant women were eligible and two participated in all stages of the study. Ultrasonographic images showed increased mobility and thickness of the diaphragm on inspiration and expiration. The maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, measured by means of the manovacuometry, showed an increase in post-intervention values when compared to the initial evaluation. Postoperative postural assessment showed lumbar lordosis exacerbation and increased abdominal volume consistent with increased gestational age. Conclusion: The results of the present study allow us to conclude that respiratory muscle training associated with internal unit training had positive repercussions on the thickness and diaphragmatic mobility, as well as on the lumbar stability of the pregnant women who concluded all the steps of this research.