Effect of Four Exercises on the Inter-recti Distance in Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is defined as an excessive separation between the two abdominal rectus muscles. It is generally quantified by the inter-recti distance. In postpartum women, the prevalence of diastasis is 60% six weeks after delivery. The increase in the inter-recti distance has been associated with a decrease in strength and endurance of the trunk flexors and rotators (p < 0.05). Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of DRA. Nevertheless, there is still not strong evidence to establish what kind of exercise should be recommended during pregnancy and in postpartum. The aim of this study is to compare the morphological and functional changes of the linea alba during four exercises. Inter-recti distance, linea alba thickness and distortion index will be measured at rest, as well as during 4 exercises (draw in maneuver, crunch, pelvic floor muscle contraction and a de Gasquet exercise). Subgroup analysis will be performed to determine if the presence or absence of an abdominal diastasis has an influence on these outcomes. A cross-sectional pilot study will be carried out. The main outcome measure will the inter-recti distance. Secondary outcomes will be the thickness of linea alba and distortion index.

Official Title
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Effect of Four Abdominal and Pelvic Exercises on the Inter-recti Distance in Women: an Observational Study

Conditions
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Diastasis, Muscle

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Adults Parous Women Accepting to participe in the research Exclusion Criteria: Under curatorship Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision Having intellectual limitations that may limit the understanding of questionnaires or exercises With limitations in understanding the French language Pregnant women History of pelvic / spine fractures History of pelvic surgery History of spinal surgery History of abdominal surgery History of lower limbs weakness, changes in osteotendinous reflexes or loss of sensitivity

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 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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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inter-recti distance | The distance between the two medial borders of rectus abdominis muscles is measured using ultrasound | During the exercise | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Linea alba thickness | Linea alba thickness is measured using ultrasound | During the exercise | 
| Distortion index of the linea alba | Average deviation of the linea alba from the shortest path between the recti measured using ultrasound | During the exercise | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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transversus abdominis, diastasis rectus abdominis, exercise, pelvic floor muscles