Can rectus abdominis diastasis cause pelvic floor dysfunction?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33233/fb.v23i5.5171Keywords:
diastasis, muscle, rectus abdominis, pelvic floor disordersAbstract
Introduction: The pelvic floor dysfunction is defined as any deviation from the normal function of the pelvic floor muscles: prolapses, incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunctions. Among the many conditions, rectus abdominis diastasis is a recurrent condition defined as an impairment of the midline separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. Objective: To review the literature of studies from the last 10 years, in order to answer whether rectal diastasis may be involved in any pelvic floor dysfunction. Methods: This is an integrative literature review carried out through a search in the period from 2011 to 2021, in the electronic databases Pubmed, BVS and Academic Google. Results: Most studies have been carried out in women up to 12 months postpartum and did not find a relationship between pelvic floor dysfunctions associated with the presence of rectus abdominis diastasis. However, a study carried out in pre and post-menopausal women describes that diastasis proved to be a predictive factor for pelvic floor dysfunction. Conclusion: The variability between data made comparisons between studies difficult, so studies with higher methodological quality are needed in order to fill knowledge gaps.
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