Impact of Mobile App-Based Exercises on Rectus Diastasis in Women Undergoing Cesarean Birth

Effect of Mobile App-Based Exercises on Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Post-Cesarean Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Diastasis recti abdominis, or rectus diastasis, is the separation of the two parts of the rectus abdominis muscle along the midline of the linea alba, without any visible defect in the fascia.

Diastasis recti abdominis is most frequent during pregnancy and postpartum especially, after cesarean birth.

Cesarean births were linked to significant post-operative changes in the thickness of abdominal fasciae and muscles when compared to vaginal births and these changes may be involved in the higher rates of diastasis recti post-cesarean births.

Managing diastasis recti abdominis begins with its diagnosis, followed by targeted interventions.

Diagnosis usually involves manual palpation to estimate the gap between the rectus abdominis muscles along the tendinous sheet of the linea alba. Updated imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, are now more frequently used for diagnosis.

Treatment either surgical or conservative; emphasizes physical therapy and personalized exercise programs. This method targets strengthening specific core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and the pelvic floor.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-time mothers who delivered by a cesarean birth
• Post-cesarean women between 25 and 35 years old
• Women with a Diastasis Recti of at least 1 cm separation above the umbilicus and at least 0.5 cm separation below the umbilicus

Exclusion Criteria:

• First-time mothers who delivered by a vaginal birth
• Multiparous mothers
• Those who have not a Diastasis Recti
• Mothers under 25 years old and those above 35 years old