Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis is a pathological condition at the linea alba in which rectus abdominis muscles separate. It occurs mainly in pregnant and postpartum women. Changes in the linea alba area are caused by stress to the tissue and pregnancy induced hormonal changes which lead to the loosening of abdominal connective tissue. This pathological condition is not manifested with any pain symptoms but the effects which may develop as a result of diastasis recti abdominis may cause pain. This literature review study discusses the non-surgical methods of treating diastasis recti abdominis by reducing the distance between the two parts of the rectus abdominis muscle. Material and methods: Scientific literature on physiotherapy, surgical treatment and diagnostics of diastasis recti abdominis in pregnant and postpartum women from the last 15 years was analysed. Such databases as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ebsco and MedLine were used in the analysis and 11 publications were considered. Results: Having analysed the available literature, it was concluded that abdominal exercises can prevent or reduce diastasis recti abdominis. However, the analysis did not reveal which method of treatment was the most effective. Conclusions: This review of the literature revealed that there is not currently a gold standard method of treating diastasis recti abdominis. However, abdominal exercises during pregnancy reduce the risk of this condition postpartum. Diastasis recti abdominis may be reduced even a few years after childbirth by implementing appropriate treatment including a special training programme focusing on strengthening anterior abdominal wall and learning to maintain a proper body posture during activities of daily living. physiotherapy, pregnancy, Rectus Abdominis, postpartum, diastasis recti Streszczenie Wstęp: Rozstęp mięśnia prostego brzucha to patologiczna zmiana w obrębie kresy białej polegająca na powstaniu szczeliny pomiędzy brzuścami mięśnia prostego brzucha. Pojawia się szczególnie u kobiet w czasie ciąży oraz po porodzie. Do zmian w obrębie kresy białej przyczyniają się hormony, które wpływają na rozluźnienie tkanki łącznej. Ta patologiczna zmiana nie objawia się żadnymi dolegliwościami bólowymi ale następstwa, które mogą rozwinąć się w wyniku rozstępu mogą powodować ból.

Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is both a structural and a functional disorder. It is believed that the main cause of DRA is the extensive stretching of the abdominal wall resulting from pregnancy; yet the condition is also found in men and in children. There are several, seemingly mutually exclusive, DRA risk factors, such as the pathological abdominal muscle tension and chronic exercise deficits. The aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting the size of DRA in postpartum women. Material and methods: The study involved 239 postpartum women. The study was conducted with the use of an online survey. The subjects completed the DRA test, the Beighton test and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The analysis found DRA in majority of studied women (60.7%). The relationship between the BMI index and DRA was statistically significant (p=0.01). The relationship between surgeries in the abdominal cavity and the DRA was statistically significant, too (p=0.05). We showed that DRA correlates with other pelvic dysfunctions (p=0.03). Conclusions: The most significant risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women are abnormal BMI and surgeries to the abdominal cavity. Diastasis recti abdominis correlates with other dysfunctions, such as: spinal pain, urinary incontinence, peristaltic disorders, sexual disorders, abdominal hernia, groin hernia, lowering of the lesser pelvis organs. Further studies into DRA risk factors under close supervision of a physiotherapist are necessary.

Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is defined as the increase between two abdominal rectal muscles located on both sides of the linea alba at the height of the navel. It occurs in pregnant and postpartum women due to the loosening of the linea alba during pregnancy under the influence of hormones and the developing foetus. The most common risk factors for dehiscence are: large foetus, large volume of foetal waters, multiple pregnancy, excessive abdominal muscle overload during the third trimester, obesity and too intense pressure during delivery. Study aim: The aim of the study was to present diagnostics and surgical as well as non-operative treatment for women with abdominal muscle diastasis due to pregnancy and during the puerperium period. Diagnosis of dehiscence primarily includes palpation, calliper measurements, ultrasound and CT scan. Materials and methods: Scientific bases such as Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Google Scholar and Ebsco were searched. Results: A total of 48 scientific reports from Pubmed, Sciencedirect and Google Scholar were collected. Conclusions: Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle can be treated preventively by introducing appropriate prophylaxis, which aims to strengthen the transverse and the rectus abdominis muscles, as well as learning the right posture and principles of proper performance of activities such as lifting heavy objects. In the event of diastasis occurring in the puerperium period, its size can be reduced in a non-invasive manner or even completely eliminated after introducing appropriate exercises, being supported with orthopaedic equipment if necessary. Exercises should be individually selected by a therapist and performed under his/her supervision at the initial stage of training to teach the patient to properly activate the transverse abdominal muscle. Pregnant women who do not have contraindications to physical activity can reduce the risk of the DRA by performing appropriate exercises.