Creation and Validation of a Questionnaire Evaluating Diastasis Recti

Introduction. Distasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is defined as the presence of divergence between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. Some authors describe a prevalence of 40% in women up to one year postpartum. Some studies suggest that the presence of DRA can be related to the appearance of low back, pelvic and abdominal pain and even urinary incontinence. These factors can significantly affect the quality of life of women with diastasis both socially, sexual and personal level. According to several studies, this pathology is related to higher rates of depression and an alteration in the self-perception of body image that makes these women to look to specialized medical care.

At present, the quantitative evaluation of DRA is performed purely anatomically. This evaluation consists in measuring the separation between the two rectus abdominis. Currently there is no consensus as to the protocol that should be used for this measurement.

So far, no instrument is able to quantitatively measure the consequences of DRA. The evaluation of symptoms and consequences should include relevant parameters such as quality of life, perception of body image and functional limitations.

The objective of this study is the creation and validation of a specific questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms and consequences of DRA.

Material and methods. A) Development of the questionnaire

1. Literature review 2. Online survey 3. Expert panel 4. Pilot test of the questionnaire

B) Validation of the questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire will be evaluated in a sample of patients with DRA. The sample will be composed of a group of adult women with DRA who attended to a physiotherapy clinic.