Assessment of diastasis recti abdominis: Clinimetric properties of four measuring instruments.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of palpation technique, digital calipers, and diastometer, as well as their concurrent validity against ultrasound imaging. Methods: < 0.05. Results: It showed the palpation technique (r = 0.749-0.967 and 0.658-0.917), digital calipers (r=0.750-0.955 and 0.685-0.904), and diastometer (r=0.762-0.958 and 0.471-0.902) demonstrated good inter- and intra-rater reliability. The concurrent validity of the palpation technique, digital calipers, and diastometer against the USI was poor at all three reference points. Conclusion: Palpation technique, digital calipers, and diastometer are reliable tools but not valid substitutes to ultrasound imaging for the clinical measurement of diastasis rectus abdominis.