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. 2022 Nov 15;78(1):1776.
doi: 10.4102/sajp.v78i1.1776. eCollection 2022.

Diastasis recti in the Beninese population: Cross-sectional study from normal values to diagnosis

Yollande S Djivoh  1   2 , Toussaint Kpadonou  2 , Thierry Puttemans  3 , Dominique De Jaeger  1
Affiliations

Diastasis recti in the Beninese population: Cross-sectional study from normal values to diagnosis

Yollande S Djivoh et al. S Afr J Physiother. .

Abstract

Background: Diastasis recti is diagnosed when the interrecti distance (IRD) is larger than a threshold value. Published thresholds were measured at rest with ultrasound while in Benin physiotherapists use calipers during abdominal contraction.

Objectives: The aim was to define IRD threshold values measured with calipers in Beninese participants in order to diagnose diastasis recti in a clinical environment and identify women needing abdominal rehabilitation.

Method: Interrecti distance was measured using ultrasound and calipers. Linea alba stiffness was assessed by palpation, abdominal strength and endurance by manual testing. In men and nulliparous women, IRD threshold values were defined as IRD P90. In postpartum women, IRD P80 and a threshold defined with a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve based on linea alba stiffness were used. In these women, abdominal strength and endurance were compared depending on IRD threshold and linea alba stiffness with a Mann Whitney test.

Results: In 391 Beninese participants, the IRD threshold measured with calipers was 17 mm in men, 15 mm in nulliparous and 18 mm (15 mm with ROC curve) in postpartum women. Postpartum women with an IRD above 18 mm had significantly lower abdominal strength. Those with a slack linea alba had significantly lower abdominal strength and endurance.

Conclusion: The defined IRD threshold values can be used in a Beninese clinical environment. Future studies should confirm whether they can be applied to other African populations.

Clinical implications: Abdominal rehabilitation should be recommended to postpartum women whose IRD is above the threshold values but also in cases of slack linea alba and poor abdominal function.

Keywords: African population; abdominal muscles; diastasis recti; interrecti distance; linea alba.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Measurement of interrecti distance: (a) caliper measurement and (b) ultrasound measurement.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Receiver operating characteristics curve for determination of normal interrecti distance according to the linea alba stiffness (n = 153).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Decision tree for diastasis recti diagnosis and decision for abdominal rehabilitation treatment considering the interrecti distance measured at 5 cm above the umbilicus in a head lift position.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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