Research Paper : The Effect of Abdominal Massage Six Months Postpartum on Body Composition

Kim, Dong Hee; Ahn, Hong Seok

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2011;17(6):1048-1058.
Published online December 31, 2011.

출산후 복부마사지가 산후 6개월의 체조성에 미치는 효과

김동희, 안홍석

Research Paper : The Effect of Abdominal Massage Six Months Postpartum on Body Composition

Dong Hee Kim, Hong Seok Ahn

Abstract

Purpose
To analyze the effect abdominal massage and to compared with the control group at right after the birth in six months later. Methods: A total of 42 subjects were participated in this study (19 experimental group and 23 control group). Before experiment, they performed survey and measured body composition by Inbody 330. Experimental group received the abdominal massage twice a week, 15 times in total. Body composition measurements were taken 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS ver 18.0. Results: Experimental group showed a significant difference in weight, BMI, WHR, waist and hip circumference (p<.001) and body fat (p<.01). Percent body fat and fat thickness of abdomen were reduced, but showed no statistical difference. Comparison of the results from the measurements taken immediately after birth and 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum showed significant difference in reduction of WHR, fat thickness of abdomen (p<.05) and waist circumference, hip circumference (p<.01). The effect of abdominal massage was prevalent on body shape after 6 months postpartum. Conclusion: Earlier postpartum fitness care, such as abdominal massage, led to more weight loss and better body shape.

Key Words: Abdominal massage, Body composition, Postpartum