Abstract

Introduction: hypopressive exercises created by Dr. Caufriez for postpartum rehabilitation, are popular for their potential effects on the abdominal muscles or flexibility related parameters. However, so far there is little evidence in the scientific literature to support the efficacy of such exercises. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determinethe immediate effects of one session of hypopressive gymnastics on waist circumference, height, and extensibility of the lumbar muscle and hamstring. Material and method: a study was designed with assessment before and immediately after a twenty-minute hypopressive exercise performance in a group of women whose profession was linked to physical exercise and sport. The sample consisted of 18 women with a mean age of 33.8 years (± 6.0). Schober and toe touch tests were performed to measure lumbar and hamstring extensibility, respectively. Height and waist circumference were also assessed. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the statistics differences between measurements before and after treatment. Rank Products test was used for the analysis of individual profiles. Results: significant differences were found for height (p = 0.0030), waist circumference (p = 0.0019), for the Schober test (p < 0.001) and for the toe touch test (p < 0.005). Conclusions: a workout of hipopressive exercise, performed by physically active women appears to produce short-term changes in waist circumference, height and lumbar and hamstring extensibility.