Shmaila Hanif.
Therapeutic exercise in the reduction of diastasis recti: case reports.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;56(3):104-7.

Background: Diastasis recti is a significant musculoskeletal disorder usually found during pregnancy and postpartum; however, there is insufficient information on the efficacy of therapeutic exercise in the reduction of postpartum diastasis recti. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of therapeutic exercise in the reduction of diastasis recti. Patients and Methods: Three diastasis recti patients were recruited from a privately owned gymnasium and were initially diagnosed as having obstinate accumulation of fat around the abdomen. A gynaecologist from a privately owned hospital and the researcher were involved in the diagnosis of the condition (diastasis recti). A dial caliper was used to take the inter-recti distance pre and post administration of exercise. Diastasis recti correction therapeutic exercise was administered for an average of 15 sessions to two patients. The third patient did not receive any intervention. The study lasted for 6 weeks. Results: The two patients that received therapeutic exercise had the inter-recti distance (IRD) reduced from an average of 9.2cm to 3.4 cm and still remain at 3.4cm without any intervention at 16 weeks follow up assessment. The third patient who received no exercise had her IRD 7cm throughout and at 16 weeks follow up slightly increased to 7.8cm. Conclusion: It was concluded that therapeutic exercise (modified Noble’s diastasis recti correction exercise) is effective in the reduction of postpartum DR. Key words: Diastasis recti, inter recti distance, postpartum.

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