Participant Recruitment and Data Collection We hypothesized that the STEP group would demonstrate a significant reduction in DRA size compared with the non-intervention group.ġ. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a progressive postpartum split tummy exercise program (STEP) on the size of DRA in postpartum mothers. However, there is no consensus on customized postpartum exercise programs for improving DRA. Nevertheless, the primary concern in these programs is preventing back pain and urinary incontinence instead of focusing on DRA and the positive effects of postpartum exercise on DRA have been shown. In many countries, this is part of antenatal and postpartum programs for mothers.

Ĭonservative management of DRA is preferred over surgery, involving a combination of aerobic exercises, strength training of the extremities, and electrotherapy in hot and cold modalities.

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may result in stress and urge urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary frequency, and urgency. These eventually contribute to pelvic instability, back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and umbilical hernia. Weakening of the abdominal muscles and DRA reduces a mother’s ability to generate force during functional activities such as lifting and bending, predisposing the trunk and pelvic region to pressurization activities. DRA may even persist up to 1 year after delivery in 30%–60% of postpartum mothers. Fifty-three percent of women have DRA at 4–8 weeks and 39% of women still have DRA at 6 months postpartum. Resolution of DRA occurs at varying rates and stages and natural resolution with maximum recovery may happen days after delivery or up to 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Increased levels of relaxin, progesterone, and estrogen during the first trimester results in relaxation and softening of the muscles around the trunk and pelvis to accommodate the growing fetus. DRA is diagnosed when the split at any point along its length, exceeds the normal width, i.e., more than a two-finger width by finger palpation, with the widest split occurring at 2 cm above the umbilicus. Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) affects more than half of postpartum women and involves separation or stretching of the abdominal muscles and linea alba on the anterior abdominal wall in the midline.

Nik collection 2.5 free download