Diastasis Recti

Researchers are studying patients with symptomatic rectus diastasis, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, causing pain and instability. The trial aims to evaluate if laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction is a safe treatment option and whether it improves quality of life, trunk stability, and reduces pain. The study also compares two laparoscopic methods suturing the linea alba alone or with added mesh. Participants will undergo one of two surgical procedures for abdominal wall reconstruction either narrowing the linea alba using continuous sutures alone or using continuous sutures combined with mesh. Both methods are performed laparoscopically, and the study uses a randomized, double-blind design to compare their outcomes. During the study, participants will be monitored for recurrence of rectus diastasis over one year. Pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Pain Scale, and questionnaires like SF-36 and VHPQ will evaluate quality of life and pain before and after surgery at 1 and 3 years. Abdominal stability will also be measured to understand the surgerys impact. The total duration of participation may extend up to 3 years for follow-up assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a postoperative rehabilitation program for patients undergoing surgical correction of abdominal rectus diastasis, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate. The study aims to determine if structured abdominal exercises after surgery improve abdominal wall function at three and twelve months and to compare connective tissue components in patients with this condition to healthy individuals. This randomized controlled trial is conducted in Sweden and sponsored by Ume University. Participants will all undergo surgery to correct the abdominal rectus diastasis by plication of the linea alba. They are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group follows a postoperative rehabilitation program designed by a physical therapist, while the other group is allowed to exercise freely without a structured program. Blood samples and tissue biopsies from skin, connective tissue, and rectus muscle are collected before and during surgery. Follow-up assessments occur at three and twelve months after surgery. During the study, participants will be evaluated using physical function tests such as the 5 times sit to stand test and repetitions of a 20-kilogram deadlift at three and twelve months post-surgery. They will also complete questionnaires assessing pain, disability, and pelvic floor distress. Safety and progress are monitored through clinical visits and sample collections. The total participation time covers pre-surgery, surgery day procedures, and follow-ups at three and twelve months.

This research aims to evaluate whether stone needles therapy can help in the recovery of maternal diastasis rectus abdominis DRA based on the Belt channel theory. It also seeks to validate the use of the Chinese version of the Body Attitude Questionnaire BAQ-C as a tool to measure body image satisfaction in Chinese women with postpartum DRA. The trial investigates if adding stone needles therapy to neuromuscular electrical stimulation NMES and massage therapy improves postpartum DRA recovery. Participants will receive 10 sessions of NMES combined with massage therapy, with the stone needles therapy added after the 3rd, 6th, and 9th massage sessions for those in the stone needles therapy group. Each stone needles therapy session lasts about 30 minutes, with a total of three sessions. The control group will receive NMES and massage therapy without the stone needles treatment. During the study, abdominal circumference and the distance between rectus muscles will be measured after each treatment. After completing all treatments, researchers will assess body image satisfaction, low back pain, dysfunction scores, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. The primary outcomes include changes in the inter-recti distance, abdominal circumference, and body image satisfaction before and after interventions. Participants will be monitored throughout the treatment period to evaluate these effects.

Diastasis Recti Abdominis DRA is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, commonly occurring after childbirth due to mechanical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. This condition can affect posture, trunk stability, breathing patterns, and may cause ongoing lumbopelvic pain and weakened core muscles if untreated. Researchers are studying the combined effects of hypopressive exercises and abdominal bracing on DRA outcomes in postpartum women to better understand their impact on muscle separation, pain, and strength. The study is a randomized clinical trial conducted over 10 months with 34 postpartum women aged 23 to 30 years. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups Group A receives both hypopressive exercises and abdominal bracing, while Group B receives only hypopressive exercises along with standard postpartum physiotherapy. The hypopressive exercises involve specific breathing techniques and positions over 12 sessions in 6 weeks. Group A also wears a postnatal abdominal binder during waking hours for 6 weeks, except while sleeping or bathing. During the study, participants will be assessed for pain intensity using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, lumbopelvic disability via the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, abdominal muscle strength through Manual Muscle Testing, and inter-recti distance using tape measure and finger-width methods. These measurements are taken at 6 weeks to evaluate treatment effects. Researchers will analyze the data to understand how these interventions impact DRA symptoms and muscle function in postpartum women.

Researchers are comparing the effects of hypopressive exercises and split tummy transverse abdominal activation-based exercises on postpartum women with diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate after childbirth. This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate improvements in inter-recti distance IRD, pelvic floor muscle strength and function, and overall quality of life. The study is conducted at two hospitals and involves 50 participants divided into two groups over an 8-week treatment period. One group will perform hypopressive exercises combined with abdominal binding as a baseline treatment, involving postural and breathing-based sequences in various positions for 20 minutes, three times per week. The other group will receive abdominal binding along with split tummy isometric exercises such as modified plank holds, pelvic tilts, and transverse abdominis engagement, also performed three times per week with multiple sets of repetitions. Both treatments focus on improving core stability and muscle endurance. Participants will be assessed before and after the 8-week treatment using tools like a digital vernier scale for measuring inter-recti distance, the Oswestry Disability Index for function, the Oxford Grading Scale for pelvic floor strength, and a quality of life questionnaire. Data analysis will evaluate physical and lifestyle changes. This study includes double-blind randomization and aims to provide insight into effective exercise rehabilitation for postpartum diastasis recti.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of tele rehabilitation compared to in-person supervised core stability exercises in postpartum women diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis DRA. This condition is common after childbirth and can negatively impact abdominal muscle function and body image. The trial aims to see if tele rehabilitation can offer similar benefits to traditional physiotherapy in improving abdominal separation and body image over an 8-week period. Participants are randomly assigned to either a tele rehabilitation group or an in-person exercise group. Both groups follow the same standardized 8-week core stability exercise program with three sessions per week. The tele rehabilitation group receives exercise demonstrations on mobile devices and attends biweekly supervised in-clinic follow-ups, while the in-person group attends supervised clinic sessions throughout. Exercises include pelvic floor muscle training, abdominal bracing, and pelvic tilts, with progression in intensity each week. Participants will undergo baseline and post-intervention assessments including measurements of inter-recti distance using a digital nylon caliper and evaluations of body image using the Body Image State Scale BISS. The study includes monitoring of exercise adherence and progression under physiotherapist supervision. Total participation spans the 8-week intervention starting at 6 weeks postpartum, with outcomes focused on physical changes and self-perception after completing the program.

This research aims to compare the effects of specialist-supported rehabilitation versus self-training on preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction in women during the postpartum period. The study evaluates changes in pelvic organ position, pelvic floor muscle function, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, and how these symptoms affect quality of life. Participants are women who are 6 to 10 weeks postpartum and will be assessed with various validated questionnaires and objective tests. Participants are divided into two groups one group receives supervised physiotherapy, biofeedback, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS treatments led by specialists, including a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor and a physiotherapist. The other group follows a self-training program at home based on specialist instructions, using a mobile app called squeezy to remind and record training sessions. The study includes assessments before training, after six months of training, and after twelve months. Women in the study will have medical examinations, pelvic floor muscle assessments, ultrasound scans, and complete questionnaires that cover urinary incontinence, prolapse symptoms, sexual function, and overall quality of life. Researchers will track pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination, pelvic organ position, pain levels, and muscle activity over time. The study also monitors factors such as birth history and body measurements that may affect rehabilitation outcomes. Participation lasts for at least one year with evaluations at key intervals.

Researchers are conducting an observational study to develop and validate a specific questionnaire for women with diastasis recti abdominis DRA, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate along the midline. DRA affects many women postpartum and can lead to symptoms like lower back, pelvic, and abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, and negative impacts on body image and quality of life. The study aims to create a tool that evaluates these symptoms and their consequences beyond just anatomical measurement of muscle separation. The study involves several stages a systematic literature review to identify relevant symptoms and impacts, an online survey to gather patient-reported experiences, expert panel review to refine questionnaire items, and pilot testing with women who have DRA. After finalizing the questionnaire, researchers will validate it by assessing its reliability and accuracy in a group of adult women attending a physiotherapy clinic. Participants will also complete comparative questionnaires to measure quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms, functioning, body image, social relationships, and psychological distress. Participants will complete the newly developed questionnaire and related surveys at the start and again after 7 to 10 days to assess consistency over time. The study involves collecting demographic data and detailed self-reported measures regarding DRA symptoms and their effects. Researchers will analyze the questionnaires psychometric properties to ensure it effectively captures the impact of DRA on womens lives. The total participation includes initial assessments and a follow-up to evaluate test-retest reliability.

Diastasis Recti Abdominis DRA is a common condition experienced by women after childbirth where the abdominal muscles separate along the midline due to stretching and thinning of the linea alba. This condition may affect abdominal support, posture, breathing, and trunk function. The study aims to compare diaphragm characteristics and breathing muscle strength in women who have given birth, with and without DRA, to better understand how DRA influences breathing and muscle function postpartum. Participants are parous women assigned to two groups based on the presence or absence of DRA confirmed by ultrasound imaging. The study involves a single assessment session where ultrasound imaging measures diaphragm thickness and movement during breathing. Inspiratory muscle strength is also tested using a POWERbreathe KH2 device that measures maximal inspiratory pressure, S-Index, and peak inspiratory flow. Demographic and clinical information related to pregnancy and physical activity is collected. During the study visit, participants undergo rehabilitative ultrasound imaging performed by trained physiotherapists and complete inspiratory muscle strength tests. Data on age, body mass index, parity, and time since last delivery are recorded. Researchers measure diaphragm thickness, excursion, and inspiratory muscle strength to determine differences between women with and without DRA. The study helps improve understanding of breathing muscle function after childbirth and may guide future rehabilitation approaches.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different exercise programs on females with diastasis recti, a condition characterized by separation of the abdominal muscles. This randomized clinical trial involves postpartum women aged 25 to 40 years with specific criteria such as vaginal delivery and pain levels greater than 6 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The study aims to compare corrective exercises focused on deep core engagement with plank exercises aimed at overall abdominal activation over a 12-week period. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A performs corrective exercises that progress from low-load activation to advanced core control exercises over 12 weeks. Group B follows a plank exercise regimen starting with modified plank positions, progressing to full plank holds and stabilization tasks. Both groups complete their respective exercises three times per week. Before the interventions, all participants receive baseline electrical muscle stimulation and pelvic floor exercises to ensure core stability. During the study, participants will be assessed at the beginning and end of the 12-week intervention using measures such as manual muscle testing for strength, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, inter-recti distance, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Data will be analyzed to evaluate changes in strength, pain, and abdominal separation. Participants will be monitored throughout the treatment duration, and the entire study is conducted under medical supervision with a total treatment period of 12 weeks.