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

• Conditions: Diastasis, Muscle

• Registration Number: NCT04501302
• Lead Sponsor: APOR B de Gasquet

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2020-07-09
• Status Verified: 2020-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-08-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-08-02
• Study First Posted: 2020-08-06
• Last Update Posted: 2020-08-06
• Study Start: 2020-09-25
• Primary Completion: 2021-02-01
• Study Completion: 2021-05-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 54

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Inter-recti distance	During the exercise	The distance between the two medial borders of rectus abdominis muscles is measured using ultrasound

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Distortion index of the linea alba	During the exercise	Average deviation of the linea alba from the shortest path between the recti measured using ultrasound
Linea alba thickness	During the exercise	Linea alba thickness is measured using ultrasound