The Effect of Conservative Interventions on the Signs and Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of two different physiotherapeutic interventions (exercise therapy and/or abdominal binding) on the signs and symptoms of diastasis recti in post-partum women.

Detailed Description
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This study is investigating the effect of exercise therapy and/or abdominal binding on inter-rectus distance, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, lumbopelvic dysfunction, urogynecological complaints, perceived function, and body image in post-partum women with diastasis recti

Official Title
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The Effect of Exercise Therapy and/or Abdominal Binding on Inter-rectus Distance, Abdominal Muscle Strength, Lumbopelvic and Urogynecological Complaints, Perceived Function, and Body Image in Post-partum Women With Diastasis Recti

Conditions
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Diastasis Recti And Weakness Of The Linea Alba

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Exercise therapy
* Other: Abdominal binding


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18 to 35 years old given birth to their first child, vaginally, in the last three to four weeks inter-rectus distance of two finger widths of greater on palpation during head lift Exclusion Criteria: history of persistent pain with intercourse prior to pregnancy diagnosed with neurological impairments affecting the central nervous system or sacral nerves diagnosed with connective tissue disorders

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Supervised exercise therapy<br>Participants will receive 12 sessions with a physiotherapist where they will receive instructions on body mechanics, and be given a progressive abdominal exercise program | Other: Exercise therapy<br>* Supervised exercise therapy with a 12 week progressive abdominal exercise home program for<br>|
| Experimental: Abdominal binding<br>Participants will be fitted for an abdominal binder and asked to wear it for a period of 12 weeks. | Other: Abdominal binding<br>* Wearing an abdominal binder for 12 weeks<br>|
| Experimental: Exercise therapy and Abdominal Binding<br>Participants will attend 12 sessions with a physiotherapist, and receive an abdominal binder | Other: Exercise therapy<br>* Supervised exercise therapy with a 12 week progressive abdominal exercise home program for<br>Other: Abdominal binding<br>* Wearing an abdominal binder for 12 weeks<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br>Participants will not receive an intervention during the study period | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Inter-Rectus Distance | Measured using ultrasound imaging | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Abdominal Strength and Endurance | measured using clinical tests and hand-held dynamometry | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 
| Change in Body image | measured using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 
| Change in Lumbopelvic dysfunction | measured using Modified Oswestry Questionnaire | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 
| Change in Urogynecological Complaints | measured using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 
| Change in Severity of Lumbopelvic and/or Abdominal Pain | Visual Analog Scale | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 
| Change in Perceived Function | Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth Questionnaire | baseline, 12 weeks post intervention, 9 months post intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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diastasis recti, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, abdominal binding