Efficacy of Curl up Task As Abdominal Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti Abdominis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Efficacy of Curl up Task As Abdominal Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti Abdominis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Presenter(s)

Julia Black, Ariana Bostwick, Sierra Darlington, Brooke Sizemore

Comments

3:00-4:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

Description

Purpose/Hypothesis: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects many systems including the musculoskeletal system. In hypermobility-type EDS, individuals may experience joint instability, dislocations, and pain leading to difficulty activating the abdominal muscles. The study aims to determine if a 3 to 6 month rehabilitation program improves inter-rectus distance (IRD) and abdominal strength in women with EDS.Materials and Methods: Women (n=24) 33-62 years (mean 45 years) were randomized into an intervention group (EX) (n=11) or a control group (CON) (n=13). Outcome testing occurred at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. IRD was measured at rest and with curl-up at the level of the umbilicus with digital calipers. Abdominal strength was assessed with manual muscle testing. EX was instructed in exercises performed 3x/week, 5 repetitions each: strengthening (Preactivation transversus abdominis (TrA) with curl-up), education on lower rib mechanics and engaging the TrA in breathing and posture. CON was not provided with exercises.Results: Participants were similar at baseline on age, BMI, time since last birth, and activity level via the IPAQ questionnaire. The IRD at rest and with curl-up improved from baseline (33.64 (6.9) and 29.82 (5.76) respectively) at 12 (25.36 (4.8), p=.001; 21 (5.71), p=<.001) and 24 weeks (15.55 (5.09) and 11.09 (4.01), p<.001) only in EX. IRD at rest and with curl-up improved in EX compared to CON at both 12 weeks (p=.003 and <.001) and 24 weeks (p=<.001). Strength improved in EX from baseline (2.64 (.381)) to 12 weeks (3.36 (.51), p=.021) and 24 weeks (3.91 (.7), p=.006), and compared to CON (3.33 (.65)) at 24 weeks (p=.038).Conclusions: Significant improvements in IRD at rest and with curl-up in the intervention group at 12 and 24 weeks in comparison to control. Meaningful strength changes require a longer intervention of 24 weeks rather than 12.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Betsy K. Donahoe-Fillmore, Mary I. Fisher

Primary Advisor's Department

Physical Therapy

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Education and Health Sciences

Efficacy of Curl up Task As Abdominal Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti Abdominis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

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