Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
11-5-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
11-5-2023 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is the thinning of the linea alba and an abnormal separation of the rectus abdominis. The diastasis condition leads to multiple limitations in physical and emotional well-being in individuals. DRA is an increase in the inter-recti distance leading to a gap between the rectus abdominis, which is wider than normal. The gap can be measured with digital handheld calipers; however, ultrasound imaging (US) using on-screen calipers has become the gold standard in assessment and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the DRA. Research in non-parturient women and men is uncommon despite the presence of DRA in both populations. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to reduce DRA in postnatal women, and the paucity of research in other populations leaves this intervention questionable in effectiveness in reducing inter-recti distance.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine if NMES will reduce the magnitude of the DRA via analysis of the inter-recti distance and if this will impact the stiffness of the linea alba as determined with elastography.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 10 participants enrolled. Four electrodes were placed on the abdominal muscles: rectus abdominis (RA) on the motor points bilaterally and the transverse abdominis (TA) (2 cm superior and medial from the anterior superior iliac spine) bilaterally, and a BioStim NMS2 NMES device was used to deliver the stimulus. A Clarius portable ultrasound imaging unit with a linear transducer and elastography was used for all imaging. Imaging confirmed the RA, TA, internal, and external oblique (IO, EO) muscles were recruited via NMES while participants lay supine. The parameters were as follows: an asymmetrical biphasic square wave current at a frequency of 60 Hz, pulse duration of 200 µs, intensity (mA) was dependent on the participant’s max tolerable level. The impact of NMES on the inter-recti distance was determined by acquiring US images with a linear transducer applied transversely to the linea alba, where the magnitude of the DRA was greatest pre and during the application of NMES. Measurements were acquired via on-screen calipers and saved for post hoc analysis. Additional US images of the same region of interest were acquired with elastography.
RESULTS: A paired t-test will be used to analyze the data with a statistical significance set at p=.05. The elastography data will be described according to a color-coded map of tissue elastography.
CONCLUSION: TBD
Embargo Period
8-29-2023
Included in
Mind the gap: The impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the inter recti distance associated with diastasis recti abdominis
Suwanee, GA
INTRODUCTION: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is the thinning of the linea alba and an abnormal separation of the rectus abdominis. The diastasis condition leads to multiple limitations in physical and emotional well-being in individuals. DRA is an increase in the inter-recti distance leading to a gap between the rectus abdominis, which is wider than normal. The gap can be measured with digital handheld calipers; however, ultrasound imaging (US) using on-screen calipers has become the gold standard in assessment and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the DRA. Research in non-parturient women and men is uncommon despite the presence of DRA in both populations. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to reduce DRA in postnatal women, and the paucity of research in other populations leaves this intervention questionable in effectiveness in reducing inter-recti distance.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine if NMES will reduce the magnitude of the DRA via analysis of the inter-recti distance and if this will impact the stiffness of the linea alba as determined with elastography.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 10 participants enrolled. Four electrodes were placed on the abdominal muscles: rectus abdominis (RA) on the motor points bilaterally and the transverse abdominis (TA) (2 cm superior and medial from the anterior superior iliac spine) bilaterally, and a BioStim NMS2 NMES device was used to deliver the stimulus. A Clarius portable ultrasound imaging unit with a linear transducer and elastography was used for all imaging. Imaging confirmed the RA, TA, internal, and external oblique (IO, EO) muscles were recruited via NMES while participants lay supine. The parameters were as follows: an asymmetrical biphasic square wave current at a frequency of 60 Hz, pulse duration of 200 µs, intensity (mA) was dependent on the participant’s max tolerable level. The impact of NMES on the inter-recti distance was determined by acquiring US images with a linear transducer applied transversely to the linea alba, where the magnitude of the DRA was greatest pre and during the application of NMES. Measurements were acquired via on-screen calipers and saved for post hoc analysis. Additional US images of the same region of interest were acquired with elastography.
RESULTS: A paired t-test will be used to analyze the data with a statistical significance set at p=.05. The elastography data will be described according to a color-coded map of tissue elastography.
CONCLUSION: TBD
Comments
Presented by Adriana Oceguera.