Comparative Efficacy of Abdominal Exercises and Abdominal Binding on Diastasis Recti Abdominis Reduction in Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Abdullah, Khawaja Abdul Rehman, Bilal Ahmad, Muhammad Khubaib Arshad, Humza Saeed, Mahnoor Asghar Keen, Amna Anwar, Noor Ul Ain Saleem, Umm E Salma Shabbar Banatwala, Zara Bilal, Maryam Shahzad, Pakeeza Shakoor, Muhammad Ahsen Niazi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and purpose: Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles which often results from pregnancy. This meta-analysis aims to identify the most effective non-surgical treatment to reduce post-partum DRA.
Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for RCTs involving abdominal or pelvic muscle exercises, and abdominal binding for DRA Reduction. Primary outcomes included inter-recti distance (IRD) Resolution, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and Pelvic Floor Disability Index (PFDI) score. ROB 2.0 tool was used for the risk of bias assessment of RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the influence of studies on the overall results. Meta regression was performed using R version 4.4 to identify the sources of heterogeneity.
Results: Thirteen RCTs were included in the analysis. Abdominal exercise significantly reduced IRD below the umbilicus compared with abdominal binding (Mean difference [MD] = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.10, p = 0.004) but was ineffective for IRD resolution ≥ 2 cm above the umbilicus (MD = 0.22, 95% CI: -1.43 to 1.88, p = 0.79). Compared with no intervention, abdominal exercise significantly reduced IRD below the umbilicus (MD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.10, p = 0.004) but was ineffective in IRD resolution ≥ 2 cm above the umbilicus (MD = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.38 to 0.59, p = 0.67). No significant reduction was found in the ODI score (MD = -5.57, 95% CI: -19.31 to 8.17, p = 0.43) and PFDI score (MD = -12.99, 95% CI: -43.49 to 17.51, p = 0.04).
Discussion: Abdominal exercises reduce IRD below the umbilicus more effectively than binding and no intervention, but their effectiveness above the umbilicus is unclear. ODI and PFDI showed no significant improvement. Further research with standardized criteria and diverse population is needed to clarify the efficacy of these treatments for diastasis recti.
期刊介绍:
Physiotherapy Research International is an international peer reviewed journal dedicated to the exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to specialist areas of physiotherapy theory, practice, and research. Our aim is to promote a high level of scholarship and build on the current evidence base to inform the advancement of the physiotherapy profession. We publish original research on a wide range of topics e.g. Primary research testing new physiotherapy treatments; methodological research; measurement and outcome research and qualitative research of interest to researchers, clinicians and educators. Further, we aim to publish high quality papers that represent the range of cultures and settings where physiotherapy services are delivered. We attract a wide readership from physiotherapists and others working in diverse clinical and academic settings. We aim to promote an international debate amongst the profession about current best evidence based practice. Papers are directed primarily towards the physiotherapy profession, but can be relevant to a wide range of professional groups. The growth of interdisciplinary research is also key to our aims and scope, and we encourage relevant submissions from other professional groups. The journal actively encourages submissions which utilise a breadth of different methodologies and research designs to facilitate addressing key questions related to the physiotherapy practice. PRI seeks to encourage good quality topical debates on a range of relevant issues and promote critical reflection on decision making and implementation of physiotherapy interventions.