Radiofrequency Diathermy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Women With Abdominal Diastasis
- Conditions
- Abdominal Diastasis
- Interventions
- Other: Diathermy + exercise groupOther: Diathermy placebo + exercise group
- Registration Number
- NCT05731479
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Valencia
- Brief Summary
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is defined as the presence of divergence between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. DRA is associated with decreased abdominal strength and degraded health and physical functioning, which results in poorer body perception and satisfaction and negatively affects the quality of life in its multiple spheres (social, sexual and personal). Regarding the different treatment techniques for DRA, different treatments have been described, such as bandages, electrotherapy or therapeutic exercise, the latter being the most scientifically supported option to approach DRA conservatively. Exercise has shown positive effects on DRA severity, abdominal muscle thickness, abdominal strength and endurance, and quality of life in women with DRA.
Another treatment that has shown promising effects in various pathologies is radiofrequency diathermy using the Capacitive-Resistive Electrical Transfer system. The capacitive mode acts on soft tissues containing electrolytes such as muscles and vascular and lymphatic tissues. On the other hand, the resistive mode acts on tissues of higher density and fat and fiber content, such as bones, ligaments and tendons. It has been documented that this type of therapy acts favoring the vascularization of tissues, decreasing inflammation and favoring the processes of cellular repair and analgesia. Its beneficial effect on low back pain and various pelvic floor disorders has been studied. However, at present, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of this type of intervention in people with abdominal diastasis.
In view of the above, the objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol based on therapeutic exercise preceded by a radiofrequency diathermy program on anthropometric parameters, anatomo-physiological parameters, functional parameters, and parameters related to psychological aspects in women with postpartum abdominal diastasis.
- Detailed Description
A longitudinal randomized controlled experimental study will be carried out. The sample will be composed of 34 postpartum women, randomly distributed in two groups: i) diathermy + exercise group (GDE) (n=17), and ii) placebo diathermy + exercise group (GPE) (n=17).
The evaluations will be performed at two time points: i) before the intervention (T1), and ii) after the last session (T2).
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 34
- Women aged 18 to 45 years,
- 3 to 24 months postpartum
- Criteria of abdominal diastasis according to Beer's criteria (Beer et al.2009)
- Rejection to sign the informed consent form
- Presence of any metabolic, neurological or connective tissue disease, as well as cognitive alterations.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Diathermy + exercise group Diathermy + exercise group Application of diathermy and a therapeutic exercise protocol. Diathermy placebo + exercise group Diathermy placebo + exercise group Application of the diathermy device without energy emission and a therapeutic exercise protocol.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Rectus abdominis distance Immediately after the intervention The distance between rectus abdominis in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.
Rectus abdominis thickness Immediately after the intervention The rectus abdominis thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature Immediately after the intervention Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature by means of a dynamometer (Lafayette, Indiana, USA)
Perception of change after the intervention Immediately after the intervention Perception of change after the intervention with the Patient Perception of Change after Treatment questionnaire. consisting of a verbal scale, with 7 points "very much improved", "much improved", "minimally improved", "no change", "minimally worse", "much worse", "very much worse".
Linea alba thickness Immediately after the intervention Linea alba thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.
Body composition Immediately after the intervention Body composition by means of Bioimpedance (Tanita DC-430MA, Tanita Corporation of America, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, USA).
Kinesiophobia Immediately after the intervention Kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 questionnaire: It maintains items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 17 from the original 17-point scale, and its score ranges from 11-44, where the lowest 11 means no or negligible kinesiophobia, and the higher scores indicate an increasing degree of kinesiophobia
Body image Immediately after the intervention Body image using the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire: It consists of 69 items each rated on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5 (strongly disagree-strongly agree). The higher the score, the greater the satisfaction with one's own body image, so the total score of the instrument requires reversing the score of the items that indicate dissatisfaction
Linea alba distortion index Immediately after the intervention Linea alba distortion index in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.
Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule Immediately after the intervention Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule, with a battery of validated maneuvers: gluteal bridge, gluteal bridge with unipodal support, lateral planks and horizontal plank.
The measurement unit is the second (s) for all maneuvers, and the time for each manoeuvre shall be averaged.Abdominal circumference Immediately after the intervention Abdominal circumference will be assessed by means of tape measure in centimetres (cm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.
Abdominal fold Immediately after the intervention Abdominal fold will be assessed by means of a plicometer in milimetres (mm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Faculty of Physiotherapy. University of Valencia
🇪🇸Valencia, Spain