AUTHOR=Bixo L. , Sandblom G. , Österberg J. , Stackelberg O. , Bewö K. , Olsson A.
TITLE=Association Between Inter-Recti Distance and Impaired Abdominal Core Function in Post-Partum Women With Diastasis Recti Abdominis
JOURNAL=Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery
VOLUME=1
YEAR=2022
URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/journal-of-abdominal-wall-surgery/articles/10.3389/jaws.2022.10909
DOI=10.3389/jaws.2022.10909
ISSN=2813-2092
ABSTRACT=Background and Aim: The definition and management of Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is under debate. This study aimed to understand the correlation between the post-partum inter-recti distance (IRD) and functional impairments associated with core instability, with the hypothesis that IRD could serve as a proxy for core instability symptoms and constitute a tool in decision-making for DRA treatment.
Material and Methods: A cohort of post-partum women with abdominal core instability symptoms combined with DRA were studied. The size of IRD was measured with ultrasonography and cross-sectionally analysed against functional impairments registered with the self-report Disability Rating Index (DRI), which grades the ability to perform 12 different daily activities.
Results: A total of 224 women were included in the study. In univariable analysis, IRD was associated with impairment of the activities running (p = 0.007), heavy work (p = 0.036) and exercise/sports (p = 0.047), but not with dressing, walking, sitting for long periods, standing bent over a sink, carrying a suitcase, making a bed, light manual labour or heavy lifting. No significant correlations were seen in the multivariable analysis when adjustments were made for BMI and parity.
Conclusion: IRD and post-partum functional impairments had no significant correlation in multivariable analysis. The post-partum core instability condition is complex and probably associated with more factors than solely the IRD. The IRD alone does not seem to be a sufficient proxy for decision-making regarding optimal treatment. A more complete instrument to assess the post-partum abdominal core is warranted.