Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 25Years - 40Years
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
ID07440836

Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Strength, Inter-Recti Distance, and Pain in Females With Diastasis Recti

Led by Riphah International University · Updated on 2026-04-03

56

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

4 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two exercise programs for women with diastasis recti, a condition involving separation of abdominal muscles often seen postpartum. The study includes females aged 25 to 40 years who have had vaginal deliveries and experience pain related to this condition. It is a randomized clinical trial assessing effects on muscle strength, inter-recti distance, pain levels, and disability. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A performs corrective exercises focused on deep core muscle activation, progressing over 12 weeks from low-load activation to advanced control exercises. Group B performs plank exercises starting with modified plank positions and advancing to full plank holds and stabilization tasks. Both groups exercise three times per week over the 12-week treatment period, beginning with baseline pelvic floor and core stability exercises. Throughout the study, strength is tested using manual muscle testing, pain is measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and inter-recti distance along with disability index are assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Researchers monitor progress and analyze data to evaluate how each exercise type affects these outcomes. Participants are involved in regular supervised exercise sessions and follow-up assessments during the trial duration.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Diastasis Recti

Who Can Participate

Age: 25Years - 40Years
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Inter-recti distance greater than 4 cm
  • Female postpartum patients
  • Between three months and three years postpartum with diastasis recti
  • Vaginal delivery history
  • Multiparous women
  • Pain level greater than 6 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Presence of any heart condition
  • Presence of any respiratory condition
  • History of pelvic or abdominal surgery
  • Any neurological diseases such as preeclampsia or epilepsy
  • Trauma to bowel or bladder
  • Prior physical therapy for pelvic floor issues
  • Postpartum depression

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Treatment

Duration - 12 weeks

Participants engage in a 12-week exercise program focused on strengthening the core and reducing diastasis recti through either corrective exercises or plank exercises.

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Services Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 6400

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

I

imran amjad, PhD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Comparative Efficacy of Abdominal Exercises and Abdominal Binding on Diastasis Recti Abdominis Reduction in Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abdullah, Khawaja Abdul Rehman, Bilal Ahmad...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40018828

Conservative interventions may have little effect on reducing diastasis of the rectus abdominis in postnatal women - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Deenika R Benjamin, Helena C Frawley, Nora Shields...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36934466

What is the evidence for abdominal and pelvic floor muscle training to treat diastasis recti abdominis postpartum? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Sandra Gluppe, Marie Ellström Engh, Kari Bø

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34391661