What is the relationship between abdominal hernia and physical exercise (abdominal hernia)?

From the Guidelines

Exercising with proper technique and avoiding excessive strain is crucial to prevent abdominal hernias, as improper lifting techniques and high-intensity activities can exacerbate existing weaknesses in the abdominal wall muscles. An abdominal hernia occurs when internal tissue or organs push through a weakness in the abdominal wall muscles, often at vulnerable points like the groin, belly button, or previous surgical sites. While exercise itself doesn't typically cause hernias, factors such as obesity and increased intra-abdominal pressure can contribute to their development 1.

To prevent exercise-related hernias, it's essential to focus on gradually building core strength and using proper form when lifting weights, such as exhaling during exertion and avoiding holding your breath. Additionally, considering wearing supportive gear during heavy lifting can help reduce the risk of hernia. The study on obesity assessment and management in primary care suggests that physical activity should be an integral part of weight loss therapy and weight maintenance, with a goal of accumulating at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week 1.

Key points to consider when exercising to prevent abdominal hernias include:

• Gradually building core strength
• Using proper form when lifting weights
• Avoiding excessive strain and high-intensity activities
• Wearing supportive gear during heavy lifting
• Consulting with a doctor if you already have a hernia, as they may recommend specific modifications or restrictions. Early symptoms of a hernia include a visible bulge, pain or discomfort that worsens with activity, and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and if you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention, as hernias typically require surgical repair and won't heal on their own 1.

From the Research

Abdominal Hernia Due to Exercise

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links abdominal hernia to exercise.
• However, studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and hernia repair outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A study published in 2021 found that there is no conclusive data on postoperative recommendations after abdominal and hernia surgery, and there is significant variation in the literature on this question 2.
• The study suggested that immediate mobilization, reduced physical activity, and lifting for up to 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery and for up to 4 weeks after open abdominal surgery and open incisional/ventral hernia repair may be safe in uncomplicated and standard cases 2.
• Another study published in 2015 compared laparoscopic and open abdominal incisional hernia repair and found that both techniques are safe and credible, with equivalent short and long-term outcomes 3.
• A systematic review published in 2022 compared laparoscopic and open repair for inguinal hernia and found that laparoscopic repair was associated with a lower risk of chronic groin pain, but there was no difference in recurrence rates between the two techniques 4.
• Other studies have investigated the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, including a study published in 2008 that described the transabdominal preperitoneal and totally extraperitoneal techniques 5.
• A study published in 2012 compared laparoscopic and open repair for strangulated groin hernias and found that emergency laparoscopic repair was feasible and appeared to have a lower morbidity relative to open repair 6.

Types of Hernia Repair

• Laparoscopic hernia repair: a minimally invasive technique that uses a laparoscope to repair the hernia 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Open hernia repair: a traditional technique that involves making an incision in the abdomen to repair the hernia 3, 4, 6.
• Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair: a type of laparoscopic repair that involves making an incision in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to repair the hernia 5.
• Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair: a type of laparoscopic repair that involves making an incision in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to repair the hernia, without entering the abdominal cavity 5.