The Outcomes Of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions For A Male With Diastasis Recti: A Retrospective Case Report
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Start Date
4-12-2019 4:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2019 7:00 PM
Abstract
Background/ purpose: There are a few treatment options for diastasis recti. This is a rare condition to be seen in the male population and there is little research in the literature that discuss which interventions would be best in treating this population. The purpose of this case report is to help to establish an intervention and training program in order to help correct the condition of diastasis recti in a male population.
Case Description: 67-year-old male that presented to outpatient physical therapy with a diagnosis of weakness of trunk musculature. Therapists lead the patient through an exercise program focused around the neuromuscular re-education and strengthening of the transverse abdominis.
Outcomes: Patient was seen for a total of four physical therapy visits over a 13-day span before patient self-discharge. Improvements in objective measures after the episode of care included ½ grade increase in all abdominal musculature, about 50% decrease in abdominal bulging, improved muscle activation, and improved functional movement patterns.
Discussion: Positive findings and full correction of diastasis recti have been seen with physical therapy typically between 2-6 months in females. This patient appeared to be on a similar timeframe at the time of patient’s self-discharge. Physical therapy interventions and focus of an exercise program targeting the transverse abdominis can be an effective treatment method for males with diastasis recti.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Dale Schuit
The Outcomes Of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions For A Male With Diastasis Recti: A Retrospective Case Report
Background/ purpose: There are a few treatment options for diastasis recti. This is a rare condition to be seen in the male population and there is little research in the literature that discuss which interventions would be best in treating this population. The purpose of this case report is to help to establish an intervention and training program in order to help correct the condition of diastasis recti in a male population.
Case Description: 67-year-old male that presented to outpatient physical therapy with a diagnosis of weakness of trunk musculature. Therapists lead the patient through an exercise program focused around the neuromuscular re-education and strengthening of the transverse abdominis.
Outcomes: Patient was seen for a total of four physical therapy visits over a 13-day span before patient self-discharge. Improvements in objective measures after the episode of care included ½ grade increase in all abdominal musculature, about 50% decrease in abdominal bulging, improved muscle activation, and improved functional movement patterns.
Discussion: Positive findings and full correction of diastasis recti have been seen with physical therapy typically between 2-6 months in females. This patient appeared to be on a similar timeframe at the time of patient’s self-discharge. Physical therapy interventions and focus of an exercise program targeting the transverse abdominis can be an effective treatment method for males with diastasis recti.