-
World Neurosurgery Jun 2023Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability worldwide; multiple causes and risk factors have been proposed in the genesis of back pain. Some studies reported an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability worldwide; multiple causes and risk factors have been proposed in the genesis of back pain. Some studies reported an association between diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a surrogate for decreased core strength muscle, and low back pain. We aimed to investigate the relationship between DRA and LBP through a systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature of clinical studies in English literature was conducted. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were used to conduct the search up to January 2022. The strategy included the following keywords: "Lower Back Pain" AND "Diastasis Recti" OR "Rectus abdominis" OR "abdominal wall" OR "paraspinal musculature".
RESULTS
From 207 records initially found, 34 were suitable for full review. Thirteen studies were finally included in this review, with a total of 2,820 patients. Five studies found a positive association between DRA and LBP (5 of 13 = 38.5%) whereas 8 studies did not find any association between DRA and LBP (8 of 13 = 61.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Of the studies included in this systematic review, 61.5% did not find an association between DRA and LBP whereas a positive correlation was observed in 38.5% of studies included. Based on the quality of the studies included in our review, better studies are warranted to understand the association between DRA and LBP.
Topics: Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Low Back Pain; Diastasis, Muscle; Abdominal Wall; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 36894002
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.014 -
Journal of Lifestyle Medicine Jan 2021Rectus abdominis is the main core muscle. Weakness or any alteration in it may increase the pressure over the lower back, in obese women diastasis of rectus abdominis...
BACKGROUND
Rectus abdominis is the main core muscle. Weakness or any alteration in it may increase the pressure over the lower back, in obese women diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle found to be very common condition. Therefore, there may be a correlation between diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle and low back pain in obese women that needs to be explored, as there is no literature available.
METHODS
In this study, 72 female subjects with Body Mass Index <30 kg/m were recruited by snowball sampling method. Demographic (name, age) and anthropometric characteristics (height, weight and body mass index) were recorded. The separation in the rectus abdominis muscle was assessed with vernier calliper.
RESULTS
Total subjects were included in the study; all the subjects were Female without any recent abdominal surgical history. The subjects included in the study with age of 30 years to 55 years old with body mass index of the included females must be (30-30.9) kg/m i.e. women must come under obese category. Diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle was another variable used that must be present in each women. Low back pain was also used as the variable that may be present or may not be present in the women with diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle. The collected data were analysed by the appropriate statistical analysis tools. The p-value was found more than 0.05 (the alpha level set was less than 0.05) which is non-significant.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded a non-significant correlation between the diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle and low back pain in obese women. The present study concludes that it is not necessary that all obese women with low back pain always propose to have diastasis of rectus abdominis muscle.
PubMed: 33763341
DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2021.11.1.38 -
BMC Women's Health Nov 2023Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and...
BACKGROUND
Pilates is expected to have a positive effect on women with weakened abdominal muscles after childbirth. Pilates may have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on inter-recti distance, thickness of the rectus abdominis, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous women.
METHODS
Thirty-five primiparous postpartum women were assigned to either the Pilates exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 15). Pilates was undertaken by the exercise group for 50 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. The control group maintained their daily activities without any intervention. The inter-recti distance was measured at three locations along the linea alba, and the thickness of the rectus abdominis was measured using ultrasound. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using a repeated 1-min curl-up test. Waist circumference was also measured.
RESULTS
The exercise group showed significant improvements from baseline in inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant improvement in these variables. Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significantly improved performance in terms of inter-recti distance, waist circumference, and abdominal muscle endurance (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates was effective in reducing inter-recti distance and waist circumference and improving abdominal muscle endurance in primiparous postpartum women. Pilates is considered an effective exercise for improving muscle structure and function in primiparous postpartum women, helping in the recovery from, and preventing, diastasis rectus abdominis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Rectus Abdominis; Waist Circumference; Abdominal Muscles; Postpartum Period; Abdominal Wall
PubMed: 38008749
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02775-5 -
Medicine Nov 2023During pregnancy and postpartum, changes in biomechanics can cause dysfunctions in the myofascial system, such as rectus abdominis diastasis, various types of pain, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
During pregnancy and postpartum, changes in biomechanics can cause dysfunctions in the myofascial system, such as rectus abdominis diastasis, various types of pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. These common postpartum problems seriously threaten women's health. Myofascial therapy, as an effective means of improving biomechanics, has no unified understanding of its therapeutic effects on postpartum functional disorders. This study aims to systematically evaluate the rehabilitative effects of myofascial therapy on postpartum rectus abdominis diastasis, low back and leg pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction through a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of databases in Chinese and English was performed through May 2023. The treatment methods were randomized controlled studies using myofascial therapy in the treatment of rectus abdominis separation, lumbo-leg pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. The main outcome indicators were abdominal circumference, rectus abdominis separation distance, visual analogue pain score, pelvic floor muscle potential, ability to live daily activities, number of events, and treatment effectiveness.
RESULTS
There were 22 studies, including 2235 patients. The result showed that compared with control group, myofascial therapy demonstrated to reduce abdominal circumference and rectus abdominis separation index, improve lumbar function significantly, and decrease urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In the myofascial therapy group, pelvic floor muscle strength was significantly enhanced, anterior/posterior resting potential of pelvic floor muscle was significantly decreased, and pelvic floor muscle potential was enhanced. Compared with the control group, the number of patients with various types of pain and pain scores were significantly reduced after myofascial therapy. When myofascial therapy lasted <4 weeks, pain relief was greater. In the myofascial therapy group, the ability to perform daily activities was significantly improved. An analysis of the effectiveness of the treatment showed that after myofascial therapy, the patient's symptoms improved significantly. There also saw low heterogeneity among all outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The results suggested that myofascial therapy could effectively reduce rectus abdominis separation, relieve pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, enhance lumbar function, relieve pain, and improve the ability of daily living activities. All the data demonstrated that myofascial therapy had a good therapeutic effect on postpartum dysfunction.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Leg; Postpartum Period; Abdominal Muscles; Puerperal Disorders; Pelvic Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37932976
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035761 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2021In vivo muscle protein synthesis rates are typically assessed by measuring the incorporation rate of stable isotope labelled amino acids in skeletal muscle tissue...
BACKGROUND
In vivo muscle protein synthesis rates are typically assessed by measuring the incorporation rate of stable isotope labelled amino acids in skeletal muscle tissue collected from vastus lateralis muscle. It remains to be established whether muscle protein synthesis rates in the vastus lateralis are representative of muscle protein synthesis rates of other muscle groups. We hypothesized that post-absorptive muscle protein synthesis rates differ between vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis, pectoralis major, or temporalis muscle in vivo in humans.
METHODS
Twenty-four patients (62 ± 3 years, 42% female), scheduled to undergo surgery, participated in this study and underwent primed continuous intravenous infusions with l-[ring- C ]-phenylalanine. During the surgical procedures, serum samples were collected, and muscle tissue was obtained from the vastus lateralis as well as from the rectus abdominis, pectoralis major, or temporalis muscle. Fractional mixed muscle protein synthesis rates (%/h) were assessed by measuring the incorporation of l-[ring- C ]-phenylalanine into muscle tissue protein.
RESULTS
Serum l-[ring- C ]-phenylalanine enrichments did not change throughout the infusion period. Post-absorptive muscle protein synthesis rates calculated based upon serum l-[ring- C ]-phenylalanine enrichments did not differ between vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis (0.032 ± 0.004 vs. 0.038 ± 0.003%/h), vastus lateralis and pectoralis major, (0.025 ± 0.003 vs. 0.022 ± 0.005%/h) or vastus lateralis and temporalis (0.047 ± 0.005 vs. 0.043 ± 0.005%/h) muscle, respectively (P > 0.05). When fractional muscle protein synthesis rates were calculated based upon tissue-free l-[ring- C ]-phenylalanine enrichments as the preferred precursor pool, muscle protein synthesis rates were significantly higher in rectus abdominis (0.089 ± 0.008%/h) compared with vastus lateralis (0.054 ± 0.005%/h) muscle (P < 0.01). No differences were observed between fractional muscle protein synthesis rates in vastus lateralis and pectoralis major (0.046 ± 0.003 vs. 0.041 ± 0.008%/h) or vastus lateralis and temporalis (0.073 ± 0.008 vs. 0.083 ± 0.011%/h) muscle, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Post-absorptive muscle protein synthesis rates are higher in rectus abdominis when compared with vastus lateralis muscle. Post-absorptive muscle protein synthesis rates do not differ between vastus lateralis and pectoralis major or temporalis muscle. Protein synthesis rates in muscle tissue samples obtained during surgery do not necessarily represent a good proxy for appendicular skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Proteins; Phenylalanine; Protein Biosynthesis; Quadriceps Muscle; Rectus Abdominis
PubMed: 33951313
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12701 -
Ceska Gynekologie 2023Examination for the presence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and examination of the entire posture is very important in postpartum women. Currently,...
BACKGROUND
Examination for the presence of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and examination of the entire posture is very important in postpartum women. Currently, examination by 2D ultrasound, caliper and palpation is used. It is examined at rest and during stress tests.
METHODS
Case study of a patient with diastasis of the direct abdominal muscle after a first spontaneous uncomplicated delivery at the age of 32 years. Examination to confirm diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle - the width of linea alba was measured with a 2D linear probe by ultrasound 4.5 cm above the umbilicus, in the region of the umbilicus and 4.5 cm below the umbilicus. Lying on the back at rest, and with elevation of the lower limbs. The degree of severity was classified into four grades. A standard physiotherapy postural examination was performed. A part of the intervention was individual exercise with activation of the m. transversus abdominis to reduce diastasis of the direct abdominal muscles. The exercise program included postural adjustment, modification of breathing stereotype and quality, and activation of pelvic floor muscles. Exercises to reduce pain in the ligamentous apparatus and training in correct ergonomics were also performed. The dosage of exercise was 15 min per day in the 1st week of treatment, 2-4 week of treatment 20 min per day, 5-12 week of treatment 30 min per day, 5 days per week, for 12 weeks.
CONCLUSION
The effect of exercise with activation of m. transversus abdominis on the reduction of diastasis of the direct abdominal muscle in the postpartum patient was objectively proven by the above mentioned objectification methods.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Parturition; Postpartum Period; Rectus Abdominis; Diastasis, Muscle
PubMed: 37344183
DOI: 10.48095/cccg2023180 -
Clinics in Plastic Surgery Apr 2023Modern approaches to abdominal-based breast reconstruction have evolved since the introduction of the transverse musculocutaneous flap by Dr Carl Hartrampf in the 1980s.... (Review)
Review
Modern approaches to abdominal-based breast reconstruction have evolved since the introduction of the transverse musculocutaneous flap by Dr Carl Hartrampf in the 1980s. The natural evolution of this flap is the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, as well as the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. As breast reconstruction has advanced, so too has the utility and nuances of abdominal-based flaps, including the deep circumflex iliac artery flap, extended flaps, stacked flaps; neurotization; and perforator exchange techniques. Even the delay phenomenon has been successfully applied to DIEP and SIEA flaps to augment flap perfusion.
Topics: Humans; Rectus Abdominis; Abdominal Muscles; Surgical Flaps; Mammaplasty; Epigastric Arteries; Perforator Flap; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36813405
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2022.10.007 -
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Oct 2023In recent years, pelvic-abdominal dynamics has become a research topic in the field of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and the relationship between diastasis of the...
IMPORTANCE
In recent years, pelvic-abdominal dynamics has become a research topic in the field of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and the relationship between diastasis of the rectus abdominis (DRA) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been controversial. The study is helpful to further strengthen perinatal education, accurately identify the risk factors of SUI and DRA, and improve the quality of life of puerperae.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the association of SUI and DRA in women with PFD as measured by vaginal palpation or pelvic floor biofeedback machine testing.
STUDY DESIGN
A total of 301 patients diagnosed with female PFD who were 6-8 weeks postpartum at The Fifth People's Hospital of Zhuhai between May 2018 and April 2021 were enrolled. The prevalence rates and potential influencing factors of SUI and DRA were analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 29.5% (89 of 301) of the patients were diagnosed with SUI, and 31.9% (96 of 301) were diagnosed with DRA. Binary logistic regression showed that a history of delivery ( P = 0.012; odds ratio [OR], 1.982) and vaginal delivery with perineal lacerations or episiotomy ( P = 0.016; OR, 2.187) were risk factors for SUI. High birth weight (weight>4.0 kg, P < 0.001; OR, 14.507) was a risk factor for DRA.
CONCLUSIONS
A history of delivery and vaginal delivery with perineal lacerations or episiotomy increased the risk of SUI, and high birth weight was an independent risk factor for DRA. Early intervention, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, may be important for patients with PFD having these risk factors.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Rectus Abdominis; Lacerations; Birth Weight; Quality of Life; Postpartum Period; Pelvic Floor
PubMed: 37093577
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001353 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2023Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in women. Measuring the distance between separated rectus abdominis (RA) in ultrasound images is a reliable...
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in women. Measuring the distance between separated rectus abdominis (RA) in ultrasound images is a reliable method for the diagnosis of this disease. In clinical practice, the RA distance in multiple ultrasound images of a patient is measured by experienced sonographers, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and highly dependent on experience of operators. Therefore, an objective and fully automatic technique is highly desired to improve the DRA diagnostic efficiency. This study aimed to demonstrate the deep learning-based methods on the performance of RA segmentation and distance measurement in ultrasound images. A total of 675 RA ultrasound images were collected from 94 women, and were split into training (448 images), validation (86 images), and test (141 images) datasets. Three segmentation models including U-Net, UNet++ and Res-UNet were evaluated on their performance of RA segmentation and distance measurement. Res-UNet model outperformed the other two models with the highest Dice score (85.93% ± 0.26%), the highest MIoU score (76.00% ± 0.39%) and the lowest Hausdorff distance (21.80 ± 0.76 mm). The average physical distance between RAs measured from the segmentation masks generated by Res-UNet and that measured by experienced sonographers was only 3.44 ± 0.16 mm. In addition, these two measurements were highly correlated with each other ( = 0.944), with no systematic difference. Deep learning model Res-UNet has good reliability in RA segmentation and distance measurement in ultrasound images, with great potential in the clinical diagnosis of DRA.
PubMed: 37736487
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1246994 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Aug 2023The aim of this study was to analyze the strength status of the rectus abdominis muscle in patients with incisional hernia and the relationship between the width of the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to analyze the strength status of the rectus abdominis muscle in patients with incisional hernia and the relationship between the width of the hernia defect and the strength of the rectus abdominis muscle.
METHODS
This is a observational cohort study of patients with medial line incisional hernia (July-October 2022), classified as W2 according to the European Hernia Society (EHS). The data collected were demographic and clinical characteristics related to hernia, and measure of the rectus abdominis muscle strength using an isokinetic dynamometer and a strain gauge. We analyzed the relationship between hernia width and rectus abdominis muscle strength with correlation tests to adjustment by age, sex, BMI, and body composition.
RESULTS
A total of 40 patients (64% female) with a mean age of 57.62 years (SD 11) were enrolled in the study. The mean BMI was 29.18 (SD 5.06), with a mean percentage of fat mass of 37.8% (SD 8.47) and a mean percentage of muscle mass of 60.33% (SD 6.43). The maximum width of the hernia defect was 6.59 cm (SD 1.54). In the male group, the mean bending force moment (ISOK_PT) was 94.01 Nw m (SD 34.58), bending force moment relative to body weight (ISOK_PT_Weight) was 103.32 Nw m (SD 37.48), and peak force (PK_90) was 184.71 N (SD 47.01). In the female group, these values were 58.11 Nw m (SD 29.41), 66.48 Nw m (SD 32.44), and 152.50 N (SD 48.49), respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed in the relationship between the data obtained with the isokinetic dynamometer and sex (p = 0.002), as well as between the data obtained with the isokinetic dynamometer and age (p = 0.006). Patients in the 90th percentile (P90) of rectus abdominis muscle strength also had smaller hernia defect widths (p = 0.048).
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, age and sex were identified as the most statistically significant predictor variables for rectus abdominis muscle strength. The width of the hernia defect exhibited a trend towards statistical significance.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Incisional Hernia; Rectus Abdominis; Herniorrhaphy; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 37442870
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-023-02834-8