Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Benefit of Naprapathy Training for Preventing Problems from Rectus Abdominis Diastasis

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) is a common condition after pregnancy and after great loss of weight. Distension of linea alba is a normal process during pregnancy caused by the growing fetus as well as from hormonal changes.

In the majority of cases, DRAM regresses during the postpartum period and the abdomen resumes its normal function. I some cases, however, the DRAM persists for a long period. This may result in trunk instability, back pain and decreased abdominal muscle strength. Risk factors for persisting DRAM are multiparity, high maternal age and cesarean delivery.

Little is known about how DRAM affects abdominal function. The lack of studies on the impact of DRAM on trunk instability and back pain has made it difficult to evaluate studies aiming at reducing the problems caused by DRAM.

Conservative management, including training aiming at strengthening the abdominal muscles, is usually considered the first hand alternative. There are, however, few studies on the effectiveness of training programs for the purpose of preventing DRAM.

The purpose of the present trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific training program during a limited period of time postpartum in women with DRAM. The investigators also intend to study the changes in anatomy of linea alba during the postpartum period and explore whether the changes are affected by the training.