Reliability of the inter-rectus distance measured by palpation. Comparison of palpation and ultrasound measurements.

An increased inter-rectus distance (IRD) is a common condition in late pregnancy and in the postnatal period. The condition is difficult to assess. Palpation is the most commonly used method to assess IRD.

Test-retest and intrarater reliability of 2-dimensional ultrasound measurements of distance between rectus abdominis in women.

Study Design: Single-group test-retest reliability study.

Objectives: To evaluate the test-retest intraobserver reliability of 2-dimensional ultrasound measurement of the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles, the interrectus distance (IRD).

Background: Diastasis recti is defined as the separation of the 2 rectus abdominis muscles, with a reported prevalence of between 30% and 70% in women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.