Differences in Linea Alba Stiffness and Linea Alba Distortion Between Women With and Without Diastasis Recti Abdominis: The Impact of Measurement Site and Task

Study Design Cross-sectional, observational cohort. Background The biomechanical implications of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) are unknown. Objectives (1) To investigate the impact of DRA, measurement site and task on inter-rectus disstance (IRD), linea alba (LA) stiffness and LA distortion measured at rest, and during head lift and semi-curl-up tasks. (2) To describe the relationships among IRD, LA stiffness and LA distortion. Methods B-mode ultrasound imaging and shear-wave elastography were used on a sample of 20 women. IRD, LA stiffness and LA distortion were measured at three locations while women were at rest, and repeated head lift and semi-curl-up maneuvers. All outcomes were compared between groups (DRA/no DRA), sites and tasks. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationships among IRD, mean and peak LA stiffness and LA distortion. Results Eleven women with and nine without DRA participated. Women with DRA demonstrated lower peak and mean LA stiffness and higher LA distortion c...