Rectus Diastasis
Conditions
Keywords
abdominoplasty, NEUBIE, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, rectus diastatis
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of rehabilitative training of the abdominal wall with direct current neuromuscular electrical stimulation (the NEUBIE device) on recovery time from abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Detailed description
Participants will undergo abdominoplasty surgery and begin rehabilitation training within the first week post-operation. Standardized measurements of recovery progress will be taken starting prior to operation, and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks post-operation. Participants will undergo either the traditional standard of care of rest, with minimal activity for at least 6 weeks (control group) or a 5 week training course with the NEUBIE (experimental group), starting with passive electrical stimulation in the first week post-operation, and moving towards more advanced abdominal movements accompanied with stimulation in the subsequent four weeks.
Interventions
DEVICENEUBIE
Participants will be asked to undergo electrical stimulation with the NEUBIE at their treatment threshold. Treatment threshold will be described as uncomfortable, but not painful (a 7 out of 10 on a perceived intensity scale). Session length: ≤ 30 minutes Treatment frequency: 2x per week for 5 weeks Week 1 post-op (treatments 1-2) Activity: Passive Neubie on Abdominals & Obliques Weeks 2-3 (treatments 3-6) * Passive Neubie * Isometric movements with Neubie on abdominals and obliques * Active mobilizations with Neubie on abdominals and obliques Weeks 4-5 (treatments 7-10) * Active mobilizations with Neubie on abdominals and obliques * Core Strength Exercise circuit with Neubie on abdominals and obliques
Sponsors
University of Texas at Austin
NeuFit - Neurological Fitness and Education
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcomes will be assessed at Piazza Surgical Center. Assessors will be blinded to which intervention participant has received.
Intervention model description
Study will be divided into two randomly assigned groups - control and interventional. Control group will receive current standard of care for recovery (rest and minimal activity for 6 weeks post-operative). Interventional group will receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatments 2 times a week for 6 weeks post-operative.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Rectus Diastasis 2. Previous pregnancy 3. Excess localized adiposity in the lower abdomen 4. Excess atrophic skin of the abdomen 5. Physician clearance to participate 6. Scheduled for full abdominoplasty (no mini-abdominoplasty included)
Exclusion criteria
1. Currently pregnant 2. Cardiac Pacemaker 3. Active or recent cancer in the abdominal area 4. Active or recent blood clots in the abdominal area 5. History of epilepsy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-impedance analysis muscle mass | Pre-intervention | Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a method for estimating body composition, in particular body fat and muscle mass, where a weak electric current flows through the body and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance (resistance) of the body. Here it will be used to measure muscle mass. |
| Bio-impedance analysis trunk fat | Pre-intervention | Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a method for estimating body composition, in particular body fat and muscle mass, where a weak electric current flows through the body and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance (resistance) of the body. Here it will be used to measure body fat. |
| Bio-impedance analysis trunk mass | Pre-intervention | Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a method for estimating body composition, in particular body fat and muscle mass, where a weak electric current flows through the body and the voltage is measured in order to calculate impedance (resistance) of the body. Here it will be used to measure trunk mass. |
| Range of Motion | Pre-intervention | Range of motion is determined via a goniometer. Body is moved in specific directions and goniometer is used to measure the amount of motion that occurs. |
| Core strength and endurance bridge | Pre-intervention | Core strength and endurance will be measured by duration of ability to hold a glute bridge. |
| Core strength and endurance plank | Pre-intervention | Core strength and endurance will be measured by duration of ability to hold a plank. |
| Lower abdominal strength | Pre-intervention | Lower abdominal strength will be measured by ability to perform an eccentric double leg lowering movement. |
| Sit up Test | Pre-intervention | Ability to complete a sit up will be measured as a general measurement of core strength and range of motion. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed