Pregnancy-related diastasis rectus abdominis: Impact of a multi-component group-based intervention

Purpose To explore the feasibility and effect on outcomes of a one time multi component group based intervention among women with pregnancy related diastasis rectus abdominis DRA Methods Women with clinically diagnosed DRA and minimum weeks postpartum participated in a pre post cohort pilot study Subjects participated in a group workshop consisting of education and exercise prescription They were assessed before the workshop and weeks later with a booster session at weeks The following assessments were used inter recti distance finder width linea alba LA integrity LA tension generating capacity active straight leg raise ASLR Pelvic Floor Disability Index PFDI and global rating of change scale GRC Results Thirty participants were enrolled in this study and completed both pre and post measurements Following intervention all outcomes measures improved with statistically significant changes in IRD finger width LA integrity and LA tension generation The average GRC score was Issues with loss to follow up point to lack of feasibility of this intervention in its current format Conclusion We found one time multi component group based intervention improved pregnancy related DRA outcomes Future studies need to further explore the effect of the different components within this intervention particularly behavioural strategies Further the benefit of applying self management principles in DRA interventions as well as further investigating assessment techniques is also warranted nbsp