Diastasis Recti, Low Back Pain, Postpartum
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will prospectively measure the effectiveness of a core strengthening program on reducing the inter-rectus distance (IRD) and abdominal wall muscle contraction in postpartum women with diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA). Additionally, this study will aim to investigate and clarify the association between IRD and low back pain.
Detailed description
DRA is a separation of the abdominal wall muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy and is caused by the stretching of the linea alba to accommodate a growing fetus. Separation of core muscles is thought to be factor in postpartum low back pain, stress urinary incontinence, and core strength, as well as being cosmetically undesirable. This study will evaluate the effect of a core strengthening program on shortening the IRD and improving the connectivity and strength of abdominal wall muscles in postpartum women with a DRA. It will also investigate the relationship between IRD and low back pain.
Interventions
OTHERCore Muscle Strength Training
Targeted weekly workouts consisting of low-impact aerobic exercises and resistance exercises designed to address muscle imbalance common in women who exhibit DRA and to prompt automatic core engagement while performing compound, multi-joint movements.
Sponsors
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy women who have given birth within the last 36 months but are at least 12 weeks postpartum * Not currently pregnant * Current DRA diagnosed using ultrasound with an IRD of at least 2.0 cm
Exclusion criteria
* History of ventral/umbilical hernia prior to pregnancy * \>36 months postpartum * Currently pregnant * Beighton's score \>5/9 * Unable to participate in a regular core strengthening program * Unable to attend the three data collection sessions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in inter-recti distance (IRD) | Up to 24 weeks | Change in IRD will be measured using palpation and musculoskeletal ultrasound. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal wall muscle function | Up to 24 weeks | Measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound at rest and during contraction (abdominal draw-in maneuver). |
| Low back pain | Up to 24 weeks | Measured using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 representing higher disability. |
| Pelvic function | Up to 24 weeks | Measured using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function. Scores range from 0 to 48, with a higher score representing greater impairment. |
| Stress urinary incontinence | Up to 24 weeks | Measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating increased severity. |
| Body image | Up to 24 weeks | Measured using the Body Shape Questionnaire. Scores range from 16 to 96, with a higher score representing impairment. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed