Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition that affects a significant number of women in the postpartum period. It is defined as the midline separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. To diagnose DRA, the inter-recti distance (IRD) is measured, but there is no consensus on the cut-off point. Ultrasound is the recommended method to measure IRD.

Curl-up exercises have been shown to improve abdominal muscle strength without worsening IRD in women with DRA postpartum. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 primiparous or multiparous women 6 to 12 months postpartum with a diagnosis of DRA. The experimental group was prescribed a 12-week standardised exercise program including head lifts, abdominal curl-ups and twisted abdominal curl-ups 5 days a week. The control group received no intervention

There have been several studies on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in postpartum women. One study examined the effectiveness of an online, 12-week exercise intervention on DRA width and negatively associated health outcomes such as weight and core function. Another study aimed to discover the efficacy of a deep core stability exercise program on the closure of DRA and on the overall improvement in the quality of life for postpartum women.

One study examined the effectiveness of an online, 12-week exercise intervention on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) width and negatively associated health outcomes such as weight and core function. Non-pregnant women who were 6–24 months postpartum and ≥ 18 years of age completed the study. Participants were randomized to intervention (exercise) or control groups; with the intervention group completing three exercise sessions per week virtually. Both groups completed three surveys at baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-weeks. DRA width was measured with nylon calipers at baseline and 12-weeks.



References:
(1) Postpartum Exercise Intervention Targeting Diastasis Recti Abdominis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8136546/.
(2) Efficacy of deep core stability exercise program in postpartum women …. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6454249/.
(3) Efficacy of Standardized Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Diastasis …. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8721020/.