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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
56
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.
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States
Change in inter-recti distance (IRD)
Change in IRD will be measured using palpation and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Abdominal wall muscle function
Measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound at rest and during contraction (abdominal draw-in maneuver).
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Low back pain
Measured using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 representing higher disability.
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Pelvic function
Measured using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function. Scores range from 0 to 48, with a higher score representing greater impairment.
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Stress urinary incontinence
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.
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Body image
Measured using the Body Shape Questionnaire. Scores range from 16 to 96, with a higher score representing impairment.
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
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