Incidence of diastasis recti abdominis during the childbearing year.
J S Boissonnault, M J Blaschak
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2968609Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 50Years
FEMALE
ID06286553
Trunk Stabilization Exercise and Inspiratory Muscle Training Effects on Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Patras · Updated on 2026-01-20
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
39 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in women after childbirth, characterized by the separation of abdominal muscles, which can cause abdominal bulging, discomfort, and affect quality of life. This study aims to develop and evaluate a comprehensive rehabilitation program that addresses both the muscle separation and related dysfunctions, including trunk stability and inspiratory muscle function, through a prospective randomized controlled trial. The study compares three groups: one receiving trunk stabilization exercises combined with inspiratory muscle training (IMT+TEG), another receiving trunk stabilization exercises alone (TEG), and a control group receiving general management information and instructions. The 12-week exercise programs include progressive strengthening and functional exercises targeting abdominal, pelvic floor, and inspiratory muscles, with sessions in-person and via teleconference. The control group receives a single educational session without ongoing supervision. Participants will undergo assessments including ultrasound measurements of inter-recti distance and diaphragm function, inspiratory muscle strength tests, trunk function tests, and quality-of-life questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months follow-up. Exercise adherence is monitored through diaries and supervised sessions. Data analysis will evaluate changes in muscle separation and function while ensuring participant safety and data confidentiality throughout the study.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Rehabilitation of Abdominal Diastasis After Childbirth: Trunk and Inspiratory Muscle Training
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 50Years
FEMALE
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Females aged 18-50 years
- Diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis with an inter-recti distance greater than 2.8 cm
- At least 6 months postpartum, preferably up to 5 years after childbirth
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, or fibrosis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Severe musculoskeletal conditions preventing exercise participation (e.g., severe low back pain, sciatica)
- Previous abdominal surgeries other than cesarean section
- Delivery within the last 6 months
- Body mass index greater than 30 kg/m�b2
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants in the intervention groups will follow a 12-week therapeutic exercise program involving progressive trunk and pelvic floor muscle exercises. One group will also perform inspiratory muscle training exercises. The control group will receive a single educational session and written instructions without supervised exercise.
1 to 2 in-person visits every 2 weeks and multiple teleconference sessions each week
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 3 months after treatment (from week 12 to month 6)
Participants will be assessed at 6 months from baseline to monitor long-term effects of the intervention or control management on abdominal muscle function and related outcomes.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Laboratory of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research (CPRlab), University of Patras
Pátrai, Greece, 26504
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
A
Anastasia Skoura, MSc
E
Evdokia Billis, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain.
Jorun Bakken Sperstad, Merete Kolberg Tennfjord, Gunvor Hilde...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27324871Correlation between abdominal rectus diastasis width and abdominal muscle strength.
Ulf Gunnarsson, Birgit Stark, Ursula Dahlstrand...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25766128Relationship between diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (DRAM) and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, pain and quality of life: a systematic review.
Deenika R Benjamin, Helena C Frawley, Nora Shields...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30217494Measurement methods to assess diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (DRAM): A systematic review of their measurement properties and meta-analytic reliability generalisation.
A T M van de Water, D R Benjamin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26474542Management of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles: recommendations for swedish national guidelines.
Anders Carlstedt, Sven Bringman, Mattias Egberth...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32988320What 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/34391661Diastasis Recti Abdominis Rehabilitation in the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review of Current Clinical Practice.
Anastasia Skoura, Evdokia Billis, Dimitra Tania Papanikolaou...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38340172Inspiratory muscle training affects proprioceptive use and low back pain.
Lotte Janssens, Alison K McConnell, Madelon Pijnenburg...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24870567The effect of diaphragm training on lumbar stabilizer muscles: a new concept for improving segmental stability in the case of low back pain.
Regina Finta, Edit Nagy, Tamás Bender
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30568484