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Radiofrequency Diathermy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Women With Abdominal Diastasis
Sponsor: University of Valencia
Summary
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is defined as the presence of divergence between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. DRA is associated with decreased abdominal strength and degraded health and physical functioning, which results in poorer body perception and satisfaction and negatively affects the quality of life in its multiple spheres (social, sexual and personal). Regarding the different treatment techniques for DRA, different treatments have been described, such as bandages, electrotherapy or therapeutic exercise, the latter being the most scientifically supported option to approach DRA conservatively. Exercise has shown positive effects on DRA severity, abdominal muscle thickness, abdominal strength and endurance, and quality of life in women with DRA. Another treatment that has shown promising effects in various pathologies is radiofrequency diathermy using the Capacitive-Resistive Electrical Transfer system. The capacitive mode acts on soft tissues containing electrolytes such as muscles and vascular and lymphatic tissues. On the other hand, the resistive mode acts on tissues of higher density and fat and fiber content, such as bones, ligaments and tendons. It has been documented that this type of therapy acts favoring the vascularization of tissues, decreasing inflammation and favoring the processes of cellular repair and analgesia. Its beneficial effect on low back pain and various pelvic floor disorders has been studied. However, at present, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of this type of intervention in people with abdominal diastasis. In view of the above, the objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol based on therapeutic exercise preceded by a radiofrequency diathermy program on anthropometric parameters, anatomo-physiological parameters, functional parameters, and parameters related to psychological aspects in women with postpartum abdominal diastasis.
Official title: Effectiveness of a Radiofrequency Diathermy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Women With Abdominal Diastasis. Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2023-01-16
Completion Date
2026-06
Last Updated
2023-03-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Diathermy + exercise group
The Diathermy + Exercise group will receive diathermy for 15 minutes, of which 5 minutes will be applied in the capacitive method and 10 minutes in the resistive method. You will then perform 20 minutes of the following exercises: 1) Bird-Dog, 2) Crunch, 3) Obliques, 4) Drawing, 5) Half plank and 6) Side-plank. You will perform 8-12 repetitions and 3 sets of each exercise. 3 sessions of 35 minutes per week for 8 weeks.
Diathermy placebo + exercise group
The Placebo + Exercise group will receive 15 minutes of application of the diathermy device without energy emission. It will then perform the same therapeutic exercise protocol described in the GDE. 3 sessions of 35 minutes per week for 8 weeks.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Physiotherapy. University of Valencia
Valencia, Spain