Early diaphragmatic breathing and gentle ambulation modulate post operative muscle physiology in post-cesarean mothers

Study Program of Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Indonesia

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Abstract

Women who have undergone a cesarean section generally experience a decrease in abdominal muscle strength due to surgical incisions, pain, and limited mobility, which can prolong the recovery process. Physiotherapy intervention combining diaphragmatic breathing and gentle walking is a safe and effective option to support early recovery and improve muscle function. This study aims to determine the effect of combining diaphragmatic breathing and gentle walking on improving muscle strength in post-cesarean section mothers at PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital in Yogyakarta. The study used a quasi-experimental design with an intervention group and a control group. Diaphragmatic breathing and gentle walking exercises were performed with a training dose of 15 minutes, a 2-minute rest, and repeated 3 times per training session and a maximum of 4 times per week, depending on the condition of the body. Muscle strength was measured using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) before and after the intervention. The results showed that the combination of the two exercises was able to increase muscle strength in post-cesarean section mothers faster than those who did not exercise. The Combination of diaphragmatic breathing and gentle walking proved effective in accelerating the improvement of abdominal muscle strength among post-cesarean section mothers.Recommended as safe rehabilitation strategies to support recovery after caesarean.