Core Strengthening for DRA in Postpartum Women

Effect of a Core Strengthening Program on Diastasis Rectus Abdominus in Postpartum Women

This study will prospectively measure the effectiveness of a core strengthening program on reducing the inter-rectus distance (IRD) and abdominal wall muscle contraction in postpartum women with diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA). Additionally, this study will aim to investigate and clarify the association between IRD and low back pain.

DRA is a separation of the abdominal wall muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy and is caused by the stretching of the linea alba to accommodate a growing fetus. Separation of core muscles is thought to be factor in postpartum low back pain, stress urinary incontinence, and core strength, as well as being cosmetically undesirable. This study will evaluate the effect of a core strengthening program on shortening the IRD and improving the connectivity and strength of abdominal wall muscles in postpartum women with a DRA. It will also investigate the relationship between IRD and low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy women who have given birth within the last 36 months but are at least 12 weeks postpartum
• Not currently pregnant
• Current DRA diagnosed using ultrasound with an IRD of at least 2.0 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of ventral/umbilical hernia prior to pregnancy
• >36 months postpartum
• Currently pregnant
• Beighton's score >5/9
• Unable to participate in a regular core strengthening program
• Unable to attend the three data collection sessions