Effects of Tupler's Technique on Postpartum Diastasis Recti and Strength Recovery of Abdominal Muscles

Plain-language summary

Diastasis rectus is the separation of the muscles along the midline of the abdomen, typically as seen in women after pregnancy. Separation is mostly larger than 2cm width at above, below or level of umbilicus. With this muscular pathology women do not feel any pain symptom just perceiving symptoms of physical discomfort, abdomen muscle weakness and its bulging. Excess weight of mother or baby and multiple birth pregnancy is the common risk factor for the DRA. Various tools will be used for the diagnosis of DRA such as vernier caliper by using centimeter ruler, diagnostic ultrasonography that give the exact measurement, pressure biofeedback unit which is used to assess the strength of weak muscles, and patient specific functional scale that used to determine the functional limitation and its improvement. To treat the DRA conservatively, Tupler's technique and conventional physical therapy will be directed. Electrical muscular stimulations will also be given as a baseline before applying both treatments. In Tupler's technique, diastasis rehab splint and Tupler's exercises will be used whereas in conservative physical therapy, scarf tie around abdomen while performing exercises, Respiratory rehabilitation manoeuvre and abdominal muscle exercises will be used. The aim of the study is to find the the effects of Tupler's technique and conventional physical therapy treatment for abdominal muscle strength regaining and in reducing the diastasis recti among females with diastasis recti after their postpartum period. It is a Randomized clinical trial and convenient random sampling is to be used with an inclusion criterion of patients having age between 20-40 years, Both primiparous and multiparous women and Diastasis recti more than 2.5cm within 6 weeks or more postpartum. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups, Group A will receive Tupler's technique and Group B will receive conventional physical therapy intervention. Total duration of study will be six months. Assessment will be done before and after the treatment. Pressure biofeedback unit, vernier caliper, ultrasound and patient specific functional scale are to be used to measure the outcomes. Data will be assessed by using parametric/non parametric test after completion of study.

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