Effects of exercise on diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle in the antenatal and postnatal periods: a systematic review

Abstract

Based on the available evidence and quality of this evidence, non-specific exercise may or may not help to prevent or reduce DRAM during the ante- and postnatal periods.

Diastasis recti abdominis — a review of treatment methods

“…However, in literature, other terms are sometimes used, such as rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) or divarication of rectus abdominal muscles (DRAM) [4,5].…”

“…It is considered to be the only treatment method that may potentially result in the decrease of IRD. Although numerous studies confirm the positive influence of exercises on reducing the inter-recti distance [4,17,[24][25][26][27][28] no generally acceptable protocol of therapeutic exercises has been formulated so far. It has not been assessed which abdominal exercises are the most effective.…”

“…Female patients are advised to avoid exercises which cause the bulging of the abdominal wall, exercises engaging oblique abdominal muscles, raising the lower limbs above the ground while lying on the back, abdominal sit-ups, crunches, intense coughing without abdominal support, as well as lifting heavy objects [4,17].…”

“…According to one, exercises of transversus abdominis muscles (drawing-in exercise) are advised, whereas any exercises engaging the rectus abdominis muscles are forbidden as they may potentially increase IRD (abdominal sit-up/ curl-up, crunch exercise). The other method includes a crunch exercise in the supine position which activates the rectus abdominis muscles [4,24]. According to Keller et al [17] transversus abdominis training is usually applied (in 89.2% out of 296 respondents), although in 62.5% cases the Nobel technique engaging rectus abdominis muscles was applied.…”

The effects of a 6 week dynamic core stability plank exercise program compared to a traditional supine core stability strengthening program on diastasis recti abdominis closure, pain, oswestry disability index (ODI) and pelvic floor disability index scores (PFDI)

“…Benjamin, Van de Water, and Peiris (2014) found in their systematic research that almost all pregnant women experienced DRA during the third trimester and nearly half of women experience it immediately after the child is born because of the stress of child delivery [1]. The primary muscle effected by these changes during pregnancy is the rectus abdominis, which is connected to the lineaalba.…”