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Skoura A, Billis E, Papanikolaou DT, Xergia S, Tsarbou C, Tsekoura M, Kortianou E, Maroulis I. Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice. Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:491-520. [PMID: 38340172 PMCID: PMC11023973 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05727-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Despite exercise being the standard approach to diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) rehabilitation, there is no consensus on the most effective exercise routine and adjunct modalities for reducing DRA and improving functional parameters. The present study is aimed at investigating evidence for DRA rehabilitation in postpartum women, as well as knowledge gaps and areas for future research. METHODS For this scoping review a systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PEDro up to November 2022. Selection criteria included studies investigating exercise therapy interventions both with and without adjunct modalities for postpartum DRA. Sample characteristics, diagnostic criteria, program design, and outcome measures were recorded. Critical appraisal of clinical trials was performed using PEDro classification. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included: 14 clinical trials, 3 case series, and 11 observational studies. DRA exercises that focused on deep and superficial muscles, pelvic floor muscles, respiratory maneuvers, functional exercises, or alternative interventions (yoga, suspension training, hypopressive exercise) and adjunct modalities showed promising results in reducing the inter-recti distance and related dysfunction. However, there was great variability in diagnostic criteria and methods, DRA severity, time post-birth, and exercise program design. CONCLUSIONS Reviewed studies provide valuable insights into exercise therapy, but it is important to recognize their limitations, as variability in diagnostic criteria, sample characteristics, and exercise program design hinder the generalizability of the findings. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence in this area and provide reliable recommendations for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Skoura
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece.
| | - Evdokia Billis
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tania Papanikolaou
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Sofia Xergia
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Charis Tsarbou
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Maria Tsekoura
- Laboratory of Clinical Physiotherapy and Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Building B, Central Campus 26504 Rio, Patras, Achaia, Greece
| | - Eleni Kortianou
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
| | - Ioannis Maroulis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, Greece
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Yang QH, Zhang YH, Du SH, Wang YC, Xu HR, Chen JW, Mao Y, Wang XQ. Reliability and Validity of the Star Excursion Balance Test for Evaluating Dynamic Balance of Upper Extremities. Sports Health 2024:19417381231221716. [PMID: 38229219 DOI: 10.1177/19417381231221716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper extremity (UE) dynamic balance is a significant physical fitness ability, which includes high-level neuromuscular proprioception, joint mobility, force, and coordination. The evaluation methods of UE dynamic balance are insufficient and lack experimental support. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a reliable assessment of dynamic balance and injury risk of the lower extremity. HYPOTHESIS The UE-SEBT is a reliable and reproducible approach for evaluating dynamic balance of UEs. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 65 healthy adults. All participants were required to complete UE-SEBT, UE Y-balance test (UE-YBT), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of UE, closed kinetic chain UE stability test (CKCUEST), trunk flexor endurance test (TFET), trunk extensor endurance test (TEET), and lateral trunk endurance test (LTET). Intra- and inter-rater reliability and the correlation of UE-SEBT with other outcomes were measured. RESULTS Among the participants, the intra- and interoperator reliability of UE-SEBT in all directions and composite score achieved a moderate-to-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.729-0.946) reliability. For validity, the UE-SEBT had a moderate to very strong correlation with UE-YBT (r = 0.315-0.755, P < 0.01) and a strong correlation with CKCUEST (r = 0.4-0.67, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the UE-SEBT performance showed weak-to-strong correlations with MVIC (r = 0.26-0.43, P < 0.05). UE-SEBT was also correlated with LTET, TEET, and TFET to varying degrees. CONCLUSION UE-SEBT has good reliability and validity to assess UE dynamic balance compared with other tests. CLINICAL RELEVANCE UE-SEBT can be used as a clinical assessment method to evaluate UE dynamic balance and injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hao Yang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao-Ran Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ji-Wei Chen
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Mao
- Graduate School, Xi'an Physical Education University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Lee N, Bae YH, Fong SSM, Lee WH. Effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of rectus abdominis, waist circumference and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:626. [PMID: 38008749 PMCID: PMC10680311 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02775-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of the rectus abdominis, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women. METHODS Thirty-five primiparous postpartum women were assigned to either the Pilates exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 15). Pilates was undertaken by the exercise group for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. The control group maintained their daily activities without any intervention. The inter-recti distance was measured at three locations along the linea alba, and the thickness of the rectus abdominis was measured using ultrasound. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using a repeated 1-min curl-up test. Waist circumference was also measured. RESULTS The exercise group showed significant improvements from baseline in inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant improvement in these variables. Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significantly improved performance in terms of inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous postpartum women. Pilates is considered an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in primiparous postpartum women, helping in the recovery from, and preventing, diastasis rectus abdominis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namee Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hyeon Bae
- Department of Healthcare and Public Health, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shirley S M Fong
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wan-Hee Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University College of Health Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Opala-Berdzik A, Rudek-Zeprzałka M, Niesporek J, Cebula M, Baron J, Gruszczyńska K, Pascoal AG, Mota P, Chmielewska D. Technical aspects of inter-recti distance measurement with ultrasonographic imaging for physiotherapy purposes: the scoping review. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:92. [PMID: 37202551 PMCID: PMC10195962 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inter-recti distance (IRD) measurement using musculoskeletal USI has been used in physiotherapy research, in particular, to investigate pregnancy-related diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and to seek its effective treatment methods. Severe and untreated diastasis may result in the formation of umbilical or epigastric hernias. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systematically map physiotherapy-related research articles that included descriptions of IRD measurement procedures using USI to present their similarities and differences, and formulate recommendations on the procedure. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, including 49 of 511 publications from three major databases. Publications were selected and screened by two independent reviewers whose decisions were consulted with a third reviewer. The main synthesized data items were: the examinees' body position, breathing phase, measurement sites, and DRA screening methods. The final conclusions and recommendations were the result of a consensus between seven reviewers from four research centers. RESULTS Studies used 1-5 measurement sites that were differently determined. IRD was measured at the umbilicus (n = 3), at its superior (n = 16) and/or inferior border (n = 9), and at different levels: between 2 and 12 cm above the umbilicus, or a third of the distance and halfway between the umbilicus and xiphoid (n = 37); between 2 and 4.5 cm below the umbilicus or halfway between the umbilicus and pubis (n = 27). Different approaches were used to screen subjects for DRA. CONCLUSIONS The discrepancies between the measurement procedures prevent between-study comparisons. The DRA screening method should be standardized. IRD measurement protocol standardization has been proposed. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This scoping review indicates that the inter-recti distance measurement procedures using ultrasound imaging differ between studies, preventing between-study comparisons. Based on the results synthesis, the measurement protocol standardization has been proposed. KEY POINTS The inter-recti distance measurement procedures using USI differ between studies. Proposed standardization concerns body position, breathing phase, measurements number per location. Determination of measurement locations considering individual linea alba length is suggested. Recommended locations: umbilical top, ½ of umbilical top-xiphoid, ¼ of umbilical top-xiphoid/pubis distances. Diastasis recti abdominis diagnostic criteria are needed for proposed measurement locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Opala-Berdzik
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Diseases, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland.
| | | | - Justyna Niesporek
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Diseases, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Maciej Cebula
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Individual Specialist Medical Practice Maciej Cebula, Katowice, Poland
| | - Jan Baron
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gruszczyńska
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Augusto Gil Pascoal
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, Interdisciplinary Centre of Human Performance (CIPER), Biomechanics and Functional Morphology Laboratory (LBMF), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mota
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, Interdisciplinary Centre of Human Performance (CIPER), Biomechanics and Functional Morphology Laboratory (LBMF), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- H&TRC - Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Tecnologia, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa (ESTeSL) - Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daria Chmielewska
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Electromyography and Pelvic Floor Muscles Assessment Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
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Kaya AK, Menek MY. Comparison of the Efficiency of Core Stabilization Exercises and Abdominal Corset in the Treatment of Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 285:24-30. [PMID: 37031572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of three physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA): core stabilization exercises, abdominal corset and a combination of exercise and abdominal corset. STUDY DESIGN Forty-five women 6 to 12 weeks postpartum who were diagnosed with DRA by a gynecologist/obstetrician were recruited for the study. The women were randomly divided into three groups: core stabilization exercises (1st group), the combination of exercise and abdominal corset (2nd group) and abdominal corset (3rd group). The treatment session for each group continued for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements were pain evaluation, inter-rectus distance (IRD) measured using ultrasound, trunk flexion strength and endurance, balance with open eyes/closed with a balance board, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS Statistically significant difference was observed in all outcome measures except the balance eyes closed results in the first group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in all outcome measures in the second group (p < 0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in visual analog scale, trunk flexor endurance, IRD results, balance with open eyes and ODI results in the third group (p < 0.05). When the values pre and post-treatment between the groups were examined, a statistically significant change was observed in trunk flexion strength, trunk flexor endurance, and balance with open eyes/closed parameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Physiotherapy interventions as core stabilization exercises and the abdominal corset can positively impact IRD, trunk flexion muscle strength and endurance, balance and disability in DRA management. The combination of exercise and corset was found more effective in the postpartum process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Kavasoglu Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medipol University Camlica Hospital, 34810 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Merve Yilmaz Menek
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Medipol University, 34810 Istanbul, Turkey.
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Li Q, Lei S, Liu Y, Liu Q, Chen Y, Lin X, Zhang X. Effectiveness of Yoga on the Interrectus Distance in Early Postpartum Women: A High-Frequency Ultrasound Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8908095. [PMID: 35647191 PMCID: PMC9142290 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8908095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of ultrasonic evaluation of a progressive yoga exercise program on reducing the inter-recti distance (IRD) among women in the early postpartum period. Postpartum women (n = 116), free of obstetric complications and in recovery following vaginal delivery between weeks 1 and 12, were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and yoga exercise group in the pre- and post-intervention design. The control group received no treatment, while the yoga exercise group participated in a guided 12-week progressive yoga exercise program started at postpartum week 1. The IRD was examined using high-frequency ultrasound at postpartum weeks 6 and 12. The results showed that the supraumbilical, umbilical, and subumbilical IRD were significantly decreased in the yoga exercise group after the 12-week progressive yoga exercise intervention compared with the first (week 6) and second (week 12) measurements. The differences in IRD at supraumbilical, umbilical, and subumbilical intervals between weeks 6 and 12 significantly increased in the yoga exercise group. Progressive yoga exercises are effective program that reduce IRD among women in the early postpartum period through ultrasound evaluation. In conclusion, women should advocate combined yoga exercise in the early postpartum days following a supervised program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunfeng Li
- Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology, Zhuhai, 510640 Guangdong, China
| | - Siman Lei
- Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Taipa, 999078 Macao SAR, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai, 519001 Guangdong, China
| | - Qiongzhu Liu
- Zhuhai Women and Children's Hospital, Zhuhai, 519001 Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong, China
| | - Xinling Zhang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630 Guangdong, China
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