Effect of Abdominal crunch exercise versus Tubigrip on Inter-rectus distance and Quality of life among postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis

Background: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a prevalent disorder during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period. It increases the risk of abdominal muscles dysfunction and lowers the quality of life after childbirth. Study aim: To evaluate the effect of abdominal crunch exercise versus tubigrip on inter-rectus distance and quality of life among postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design. Setting: This research was conducted at the El Shatby Maternity University hospital in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt, both inpatient and outpatient postpartum departments. Study subjects: A purposive sample of 90 postpartum women was enrolled in the study. Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect the data, tool (I): Basic data structured interview schedule, tool (II): Finger Palpation Method, and tool (III): Persian version of MAPP-QOL. Results: A statistically significant narrowing in the inter-recti distance (IRD) in all distances at the umbilicus or 4.5 cm above or below it (p=<0.001) after the intervention of both the abdominal crunch and tubigrip group in the favor of abdominal crunch group. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found in the mean quality of life scores among the studied groups after intervention, in the favor of abdominal crunch group (p=<0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between quality of life and inter-recti distance of rectus abdominal muscle at rest in the favor of abdominal crunch group in all distances before and after intervention respectively. Conclusion: After 6 weeks of intervention, abdominal crunch exercises are more effective than wearing tubigrip on narrowing inter-recti distance in all 3 distances at the umbilicus or 4.5 cm above or below it. In addition, it improves the quality of life among women with diastasis recti abdominis. Recommendations: Abdominal crunch exercises are recommended for postnatal women suffering from DRA.