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Improving Core Muscle Strength, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Postpartum women by consecutive noninvasive Abdominal and Pelvic Floor treatments with High-intensity focused electromagnetic and Radiofrequency devices

JD McCoy1*, Julene B. Samuels2, Andrea Pezzella3, Jyoti Bandi4

Objective: Women's bodies undergo deleterious changes due to pregnancy. Regaining core muscle strength after childbirth is essential in managing pelvic floor disorders and abdominal separation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of abdominal HIFEM and synchronized RF with consecutive pelvic (standalone HIFEM) treatments for core muscle strengthening and improving quality of life postpartum. Methods: Thirty-six female subjects (27-44 years, BMI 19.4 – 34.5 kg/m2 ) were enrolled in case series study. The treatment schedule consisted of seven visits, four HIFEM+RF abdominal procedures spaced 5-10 days apart, and six standalone HIFEM pelvic floor procedures spaced 2-4 days apart. Both procedures were used consecutively at the first, third, and fifth treatment visits. The HIFEM+RF was applied prior to HIFEM-only treatments. The follow-up visits were scheduled one and three month’s post-treatments. The primary evaluation included measuring the core strength (pressure biofeedback) and waist circumference. Patient satisfaction and comfort were documented. Results: 32 patients completed the 3-month follow-up evaluation. Core muscle strength showed a +23.95% (+23.16±20.22 mmHg, p<0.05) increase at 1-month and +27.94 % (+25.67±26.96 mmHg, p<0.05) increase at 3-months follow-ups. Waist circumference reduced by -3.12±2.99 cm and -4.61±3.48 cm (p-value<0.001) at 1-month and 3-months follow-up. Patients found the treatments comfortable and painless (VAS=2.6). According to satisfaction questionnaires 97.0% of patients reported stronger core muscles (4.3±0.6), 94.0% of subjects felt a stronger pelvic floor (4.2±0.6), and 87.9% of subjects had improved physical performance during exercise 4.1±0.6). All patients stated they could perform daily routine without issue and spend quality time with their children (4.5±0.5). No adverse events or side effects were observed. Conclusion: Three-month outcomes showed that the treatment regimen of consecutive HIFEM+RF and HIFEMonly procedures effectively improves core and pelvic floor strength, and function, through stimulation of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. This resulted in improved patients’ quality of life along with high satisfaction.