Postural Stability, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Respiratory Muscle Strength in Post-partum Women With Diastasis Recti

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is to determine the effect of inter-rectus distance on postural stability, pelvic floor dysfunction and respiratory muscle strength in women with diastasis recti abdominis.

Detailed Description
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Diastasis of recti abdominis muscles (DRAM) is defined as a separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. Increased volume in the abdominal cavity, hormonal changes during pregnancy, neurodevelopmental differences, or abdominal wall laxity may caused. It is very common during pregnancy and may continue for eight weeks in postnatal period. The loss of abdominal wall stability and weakened pelvic floor muscles may occur with DRAM. The abdominal wall is one of the key point for body posture, trunk and pelvic stability. However, in our best knowledge, there is no study in the literature that evaluates women with and without DRA in terms of components related to postural control systems.

Official Title
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The Effect of Diastasis Recti on Postural Stability, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Post-partum Women

Conditions
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Diastasis Recti, Post-partum, Postural Stability

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Measurement of postural stability


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Post- partum women (min 8 weeks - max 5 years) Exclusion Criteria: Having a neurological, orthopedical or any other condition which affect postural stability.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| DRAM group<br>The post-partum women with DRAM | Other: Measurement of postural stability<br>* The postural stability will assess by using Biodex balance system.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Limits of stability test score | 'Limits of Stability Test' will be performed using Biodex Balance System®. Subjects will stand on the platform and try to reach in eight directions spot that shown on the screen. The test results present scores for all eight directions and an overall score. Lower scores show worse performance (0= worst performance; 100= perfect performance) | 5 minutes | 
| Sensory integration test score | 'Sensory integration test' will be performed using Biodex Balance System®. Volunteers will stand still on the platform in condition eyes open and closed on the firm and soft (foam) surfaces. The test scores are sway index for each condition and a composite score. Lower scores present better postural stability. | 6 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory muscle strength | Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength has been assessed by maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures. | 5 minutes | 
| Abdominal Muscle Endurance | Volunteers will be asked to perform curl up position as long as possible. The duration time will be measured until a maximum 180 seconds. | 3 minutes | 
| Pelvic floor dysfunction | Pelvic floor dysfunction will be assessed using Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. Lower scores show better pelvic floor functions. | 5 minutes |