

1 Compromised respiratory function is caused by denervation of intercostal muscles, which limits inspiratory and expiratory ability, and loss of abdominal muscle function, which prevents an effective cough. Further studies utilizing more methodologically rigorous designs are required.Ĭomplications arising from compromised respiratory function are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in people after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Available evidence is not yet sufficient to either support or discourage the use of an abdominal binder in this patient population. Overall, the quality of the studies was poor. This review found some evidence that the use of an abdominal binder improves VC, but decreases FRC when assuming the sitting or tilted position in people who have suffered SCI. Meta-analysis indicated that the use of abdominal binders improved vital capacity (VC) by (weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) 0.32 (0.09, 0.55) litres, decreased functional residual capacity (FRC) by 0.41 (0.14, 0.67) litres, but did not significantly influence total lung capacity (TLC). A PEDro mean score of 4.3 out of 8 (range: 3–6) was found. Comparison of studies involving elastic and non-elastic binders was performed. Results:Įleven studies met the review inclusion criteria and employed either crossover or within subject designs. Further descriptive analysis was performed. The size of effect of an abdominal binder on outcomes was also calculated where sufficient data were reported.

Methodological quality of studies identified was assessed using the PEDro scale. Setting:Ī search of multiple databases (Medline, Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, PEDro) was undertaken accompanied by the reference list evaluation of each relevant publication identified. To review the evidence for the use of an abdominal binder on breathing, speech and cardiovascular function in people who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). To see my short term splinting schedule head to this post.Systematic review and meta-analysis. This can make muscle engagement more successful.Īs a reminder, for all of these groups, the splint should only be used short term while you are doing all the other good work to heal your core.
Belly binder how to#
If you’ve been taught how to engage your deep core muscles, but feel like you just can’t make it happen, a splint might help!īy bringing those muscles together it can enhance the brain-body connection and give some biofeedback to the system. The third type of woman who can benefit from splinting is someone who is struggling to find the connection to their abdominal muscles (even if she doesn’t fall into the two categories above). Women Struggling To Engage Their Deep Core Muscles So for these women, splinting can help them connect more to their muscles and minimize ongoing strain to the already weak area of the core. When you have extra weight at the front, it can pull on the abdominals and make it harder to engage the deep core muscles. The abdominal muscles are impacted by gravity. The second type of person I typically recommend a splint to is someone carrying extra weight on their belly. Women Carrying Extra Weight At Their Midsection Not sure the size of your gap? Here’s a self-test video.Ģ. The first is women who have a abdominal gap bigger than four fingers. So, most women do not require an abdominal binder.īut what about the women for whom proper exercise and alignment isn’t quite enough? There are three types of women for whom I typically recommend diastasis recti binder.

**For more information on proper exercise and alignment for diastasis, check out the Heal Your Core With Yoga program. Most women can bring their core muscles back together without the help of an abdominal splint.įor most women, simply doing the right exercises, breathing properly, and correcting alignment is all it takes to bring those muscles back together and allow the connective tissue that connects the muscles to heal. So it’s very important to bring the core muscles back together so the body can function properly. It leads to core weakness that can cause back pain, hip pain, incontinence, and other issues. For some women, it heals naturally postpartum, but up to 30% of women still have it one year after having a baby.

Belly Binding For Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)ĭiastasis Recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that happens during pregnancy.
