Effects of Acupuncture Combined With Core Stability Training on Pubic Symphysis Distance and Pelvic Floor Function in Patients With Postpartum Pubic Symphysis Diastasis

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with core stability training on pubic symphysis distance and pelvic floor function in patients with postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis (PSD). Methods A total of 179 postpartum patients with PSD who attended the postpartum rehabilitation clinic of Obstetrics Department of Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between August 2024 and August 2026 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment regimen, patients were divided into an observation group ( n = 83) receiving acupuncture combined with core stability training plus pelvic support belt fixation and a control group ( n = 96) receiving pelvic support belt fixation plus routine postpartum rehabilitation education. Results The observation group had a smaller distance and a lower visual analog scale at each time point than the control group (all P < 0.05), with a greater magnitude of reduction. The observation group was superior to the control group in the improvement of pelvic floor surface electromyography (EMG) parameters as well as in the reduction of resting potential (all P < 0.05). The decreases in Oswestry Disability Index and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 scores and the increases in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey dimensions such as physical functioning and bodily pain were also more pronounced in the observation group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture combined with core stability training effectively reduces pubic symphysis distance, markedly relieves pain, improves pelvic floor surface EMG indicators and dysfunction, and enhances the quality of life in patients with postpartum PSD, with a favorable safety profile that warrants broader clinical application.