Iria Da Cuña-Carrera

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common postpartum condition characterized by an increased separation between the rectus abdominis muscles along the li

Background: This scoping review aims to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive scientific evidence regarding the health complications of navel piercing in women. Currently, navel piercings are attributed to a social identity apart from their aesthetic purpose, particularly among young women. Objectives: To identify and summarize existing literature on the complications of navel piercing in women. This review also aims to propose evidence-based counseling strategies for healthcare professionals, women who wear piercings and intend to become pregnant, and professional piercers. Methods: The databases PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Cinhal, and Sport Discus were consulted using the terms Body Piercing, Cicatrix, Pregnancy, and Abdomen. Selected articles included women with navel piercings and explored the associated implications and complications. Results: The scoping review identified a range of literature addressing the complications associated with navel piercing. Physiological complications included infections, migration of jewelry, and trauma to the piercing site, while psychological implications encompassed body image concerns and self-perception. Obstetric risks highlighted potential difficulties during childbirth, such as tearing and the need for special precautions. Counseling strategies to mitigate these risks focused on education, preventive measures, and culturally sensitive support. Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information about navel piercings, focusing on the health risks and the need for clear guidelines. It promotes open communication between health professionals and patients and highlights the importance of future research into the long-term effects and psychological and social impacts of these piercings on women's health, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

Introduction: Kinesiotape or neuromuscular taping is an elastic adhesive bandage that can provide analgesic and propioceptive effects, increase blood and lymphatic flow and regulate muscle tone. Objectives: to review the feasibility of the study and to determine whether the application of stimulating kinesiotape to the transversus abdominis muscle produces greater activation of this muscle in healthy subjects evaluated by ultrasound. Methodology: the study design is a pilot randomised controlled clinical trial. Subjects were evaluated in parallel arms and single blinded. To assess transverse muscle activity, muscle thickness was measured with ultrasound in three situations: at rest, in the initial and final position of the dead bug exercise. The subjects were evaluated before and after the application of the bandage, the intervention group with abdominal kinesiotape and the control group with lumbar kinesiotape. Results: the research was conducted without the need for modifications to the design and without finding adverse effects in any of the participants. Regarding the observed changes, no significant differences were found between groups after the immediate implementation of kinesiotape. In the intervention group, a greater transverse muscle activation was found in the execution of the exercise when it was performed with the bandage. Conclusions: the application of abdominal kinesiotape is a valid and reliable method for obtaining activation of the transversus abdominis muscle. Preliminary results show significant improvements, but these should not be considered definitive as they fall within the margin of error of the ultrasound machine.

Background/Objectives: Spinal pain is common among schoolchildren and is associated with poor postural habits and sedentary behavior. Schools represent an optimal setting for prevention; however, they are also key environments for prevention strategies in children who already experience spinal pain. This study focused on children aged 9–11 years and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a physiotherapist-led, classroom-based workshop as a prevention intervention to improve spinal pain outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group pre–post intervention study was conducted in public primary schools. The intervention consisted of two 45 min theoretical–practical sessions. A 21-item questionnaire assessed spinal pain, postural habits, backpack-related behaviors, physical activity, screen use and spinal literacy at baseline and three months post-intervention. McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were applied (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 287 schoolchildren participated. Cervical and thoracic pain decreased significantly (p = 0.036; p = 0.040), while lumbar pain showed no change. Postural habits improved: sitting with back support increased (+12.7%; p < 0.001), sitting on the chair edge decreased (−10.5%; p < 0.001), and side-lying sleeping increased (p = 0.006). Knowledge of proper backpack load distribution also improved (+17.9%; p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in physical activity, screen use, rising-from-bed technique, or backpack type. Conclusions: The workshop improved upper-spine pain, spinal literacy and modifiable habits, while automated motor behaviors and family-dependent routines showed limited change.

Background: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in postpartum period and may affect abdominal function and trunk stability. Rehabilitation programs often include exercises targeting deep abdominal muscles such as the transversus abdominis. Instructional strategies derived from motor learning research, including the use of external focus, may influence how these exercises are performed. Objectives: To investigate changes in transversus abdominis muscle thickness during the execution of rehabilitation exercises performed with external focus instructions in women with DRA. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a within-subject quasi-experimental component was conducted in women with postpartum DRA. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure transversus abdominis thickness at rest and during the execution of therapeutic exercises performed under therapist guidance using external focus instructions. Results: Participants demonstrated increases in transversus abdominis thickness during exercise execution compared with resting conditions, suggesting effective abdominal muscle contraction during the tasks performed. Conclusions: Exercises performed with external focus instructions were associated with increases in transversus abdominis thickness during exercise execution in women with DRA. While these findings suggest that such instructional strategies may facilitate muscle recruitment during rehabilitation exercises, further controlled studies are required to compare different instructional approaches and to investigate potential motor learning effects.

Background: During postmenopause, women frequently experience genitourinary symptoms that may result in sexual dysfunctions. Common treatments include hormone replacement therapy or vaginal lubricants. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has been observed to have beneficial effects on sexual function in other groups of women. Aim: To evaluate the effect of PFMT on sexual function in postmenopausal women. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in June 2025, in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL databases, and the Google Scholar search engine. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trial articles published in English, in which at least one intervention addressed the study objective. A meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model. Results: A total of five studies were selected after applying eligibility criteria. All included articles implemented PFMT interventions, showing improvements in sexual function as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index. A significant positive effect was shown in the total score of Female Sexual Function Index in experimental group in comparison with control group (P < .001; standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.33; I2 = 92%). A significant positive effect was also demonstrated in orgasm domain (P < .001; SMD = 1.91; I2 = 97%), arousal domain (P < .001; SMD = 1.87; I2 = 96%), and satisfaction domain (P < .001; SMD = 2.16; I2 = 98%). A significant negative effect was found in desire domain (P < .001; SMD = 0.34; I2 = 86%) and lubrication domain (P < .001; SMD = 0.26; I2 = 87%) and finally no significant effects were found in pain domain. Strengths and Limitations: Although this is the first meta-analysis to address this topic in postmenopausal women, the results are heterogeneous and the scientific evidence remains limited. Conclusion: PFMT appears to have positive effects on sexual function in postmenopausal women, particularly in aspects such as orgasm, arousal, and satisfaction.

Introducción: Las mujeres víctimas de violencia de género sufren un deterioro de la salud mental refiriendo ansiedad, estrés o depresión. La eficacia del ejercicio terapéutico en salud mental está ampliamente evidenciada. Sin embargo, no se conoce con claridad los efectos del ejercicio terapéutico sobre esta población. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio terapéutico sobre el bienestar psicológico de las mujeres víctimas de violencia de género. Material y métodos: En el estudio participarán mujeres víctimas de violencia de género que acuden a los Centros de Información a la Mujer de Poio y Pontevedra. El grupo de intervención realizará dos sesiones de ejercicio semanales durante 8 semanas supervisado por un fisioterapeuta. En el grupo control se realizará el mismo ejercicio en su domicilio con el apoyo de una aplicación móvil, pero sin supervisión profesional. Resultados: Se plantea como hipótesis de resultados general que el grupo de ejercicio terapéutico mejoraría significativamente el bienestar psicológico de mujeres víctimas de violencia de género, frente al grupo control que mantendría sus valores basales de bienestar psicológico. Se pretende aportar datos relevantes acerca de los efectos beneficios de la fisioterapia en salud mental mediante el ejercicio terapéutico sobre el bienestar psicológico de víctimas de violencia de género para poder incorporar con seguridad el ejercicio terapéutico en las estrategias multidisciplinares para el tratamiento de mujeres maltratadas.

Background: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, often occurring during pregnancy due to hormonal and mechanical changes. While DRA usually resolves post-childbirth, some women experience persistent issues. Exercise may help reduce the inter-rectus distance, though more research is needed. Objectives: Analyze the immediate and long-term effects of hypopressive and conventional abdominal exercises on inter-rectus distance (IRD) in postpartum women, focusing on parity differences. Methods: Twenty-eight women who met specific inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the hypopressive group (n = 14) or the conventional group (n = 14). The exercise programs for both groups lasted 6 weeks. Ultrasound measurements were taken of the IRD at two locations above the umbilicus, 2 cm (AB2) and 5 cm (AB5), before and after exercise programs. Results: The IRD decreased after both exercise programs compared to baseline measurements in AB2 (mean difference: 3.06 mm, 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.05) and in AB5 (mean difference: 2.88 mm, 95% CI: 1.59 to 4.17), confirming the long-term effect of exercise. No differences were found between the application of the conventional exercise program or the hypopressive exercises, indicating that both had a similar positive effect. Regarding the immediate effect, after the performance of both programs, the IRD was greater during rest compared to abdominal contraction. This effect was more pronounced at AB5 location (mean difference: 1.00mm, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.89). Conventional exercises result in a reduction during resting condition (mean difference: 4.52mm, 95% CI: 2.62 to 6.79), whereas with hypopressive exercises, the reduction occurs during muscle contraction (mean difference: 3.43mm, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.65). With regard to parity, multiparous women benefit most from the application of exercise programs. Conclusion: A reduction in IRD has been achieved with the implementation of both exercise programs in postpartum women, with multiparous women benefiting the most. Specifically, at 5 cm above umbilicus, conventional exercises result in a reduction during the rest condition, whereas with hypopressive exercises, the reduction occurs during muscle contraction. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration: NCT05439668.

(1) Background: Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), included within the complex decongestive therapy, as a therapy for the treatment of lymphedema has raised controversy about its benefits for lymphedema after breast cancer. The aim of this research is to test the effects of MLD on lymphedema after breast cancer during the treatment maintenance phase. (2) Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled crossover trial was conducted to analyze the effects of a manual lymphatic drainage intervention compared to a control group without MLD intervention for the treatment of lymphedema. Arm volume measured by circumference measurement, subcutaneous tissue thickness measured by ultrasound, and the sensation of pain, heaviness, and swelling were evaluated as outcome measures. (3) Results: For the control group, an increase in volume was found in some of the circumference and subcutaneous tissue thickness measurements, in addition to a worsening of arm pain, swelling and heaviness. (4) Conclusion: The absence of treatment based on MLD in lymphedema after breast cancer worsens volume measurements, as well as arm heaviness. Therefore, it would be advisable to carry out this type of therapy as part of the maintenance treatment for lymphedema in breast cancer.

The presence of female athletes has only increased in recent years, as has the incidence of injuries in female sports activities. These injuries are conditioned by multiple factors, including hormonal agents. It is estimated that the menstrual cycle may be related to the predisposition to suffer an injury. However, a causal relationship has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the menstrual cycle and injuries in female sports practice. A systematic search of the scientific literature available in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Sport Discus was carried out in January 2022. With 138 articles, only eight studies were found that met the selection criteria for this study. Peak estradiol is associated with increased laxity, strength, and poor use of neuromuscular control. Thus, the ovulatory phase is associated with an increased risk of injury. In conclusion, it seems that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle alter values such as laxity, strength, body temperature, and neuromuscular control, among others. This fact causes women to constantly adapt to hormonal variations, which exposes them to a higher risk of injury.