The Linea Alba Width, Children's Physical Activity, and Chosen Anthropometric Measurements: The Results of the Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed at the assessment of the relationship between the presence of diastasis recti abdominis in children and the clinical variables potentially attributable to the wider linea alba. Methods: Fifty-one children, aged 8-12 years, were evaluated. The study protocol included ultrasonographic measurements of the linea alba width, anthropometric measurements, body composition assessment with the use of the Tanita Body Composition Analyzer, and the questionnaire assessing clinical history and the level of physical activity. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the interrectus distance, which was ≥20 mm, was significantly more often found in boys, in children with a higher body length at birth and a higher waist/hip ratio, and also in those with a history of congenital umbilical hernia. Other variables, such as the level of physical activity, body weight, parameters of the body composition measured with the body analyzer, presence of abdominal symptoms (abdominal pain, constipation, urinary incontinence), or family history of musculoskeletal disease, were not associated with the presence of diastasis recti abdominis. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest a congenital background of diastasis recti abdominis in children, especially given its higher prevalence among boys and those children who presented with specific body parameters at birth.