Diastasis RectiNCT07440836
Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Diastasis Recti
A study testing corrective exercises and Plank Exercise in people with Diastasis Recti, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study will be randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Services Hospital and poly clinics. The total duration of treatment will be 12 weeks. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 56 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 40 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Diastasis Recti
- What is being tested?
- corrective exercises and Plank Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 40 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- If IRD is greater than 4cm and above
- Postpartum females
- Three months to three years postpartum with presence of diastasis rectus abdominis
- Vaginal delivery
- Multiparous
- Pain greater than 6 on NPRS
Who cannot join
- Subjects with any heart condition, respiratory condition
- Any pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Any neurological disease eg preeclampsia, epilepsy
- Trauma to bowel or bladder
- Prior history of physical therapy treatment for pelvic floor issues
- Postpartum depression
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Services Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400
adeela arif, t-DPT
Fazeela Tahir, MSPT(WH)
About this study
Official title: Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Strength, Inter Recti Distance and Pain in Females With Diastasis Recti
This study will be randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Services Hospital and poly clinics. The total duration of treatment will be 12 weeks. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 56 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A performs corrective exercises focused on deep core engagement, while Group B performs plank exercises aimed at overall abdominal activation. Each group follows their respective regimen three times per week for 12 weeks. Baseline EMS and pelvic floor exercises are conducted for all participants to ensure core stability before the interventions begin. Outcome measures, including manual muscle testing (MMT) for strength, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, are recorded both before and after the 12-week intervention. After data collection data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti
- Being tested
- corrective exercises, Plank Exercise
- Keywords
- Diastasis recti abdominis, inter-recti distance, corrective exercises, plank exercises, postpartum rehabilitation, pain, abdominal strength
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
corrective exercisesOther
restoration of trunk stability, and reduction of IRD through improved tensioning of the linea alba. During weeks 1-4, the program emphasized low-load activation, including transversus abdominis (TrA) drawing-in activation, posterior pelvic tilting, and modified heel slides performed with strict abdominal control. In weeks 5-8, progression was achieved through increased hold times, higher repetitions, slower tempo, and the gradual introduction of light resistance or functional integration cues where tolerated. In weeks 9-12, participants progressed toward functional core integration and advanced control exercises such as dead bug variations,
Plank ExerciseOther
In weeks 1-4, the program began with modified plank positions using knee-and-elbow support and modified side planks, with short hold durations and adequate rest intervals. During weeks 5-8, hold times were progressively increased, and participants were introduced to controlled plank variations such as weight-shifts or arm reach tasks depending on tolerance and maintenance of neutral spine control. In weeks 9-12, progression was aimed toward longer holds and more advanced stabilization tasks, including leg lifts in plank and progression toward full plank positions
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| corrective exercises | Experimental | During weeks 1-4, the program emphasized low-load activation, including transversus abdominis (TrA) drawing-in activation, posterior pelvic tilting, and modified heel slides performed with strict abdominal control. In weeks 5-8, progression was achieved through increased hold times, higher repetitions, slower tempo, and the gradual introduction of light resistance or functional integration cues where tolerated. In weeks 9-12, participants progressed toward functional core integration and advanced control exercises such as dead bug variations, Receives: Other: corrective exercises |
| PLANK EXERCISES | Experimental | In weeks 1-4, the program began with modified plank positions using knee-and-elbow support and modified side planks, with short hold durations and adequate rest intervals. During weeks 5-8, hold times were progressively increased, and participants were introduced to controlled plank variations such as weight-shifts or arm reach tasks depending on tolerance and maintenance of neutral spine control. In weeks 9-12, progression was aimed toward longer holds and more advanced stabilization tasks, including leg lifts in plank and progression toward full plank positions Receives: Other: Plank Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
NPRS
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain. The NPRS is a widely used patient reported outcome scale.27-29 The ordinal 11-point NPRS (0-no pain, 10-most intense pain) is the most commonly used version which has good test-retest reliability (r=.79-.96) in individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal pathology.
Measured: 12th week
• MMT
MMT is the most commonly used method for documenting impairments in muscle strength. Manual muscle testing is used in rehabilitation and recovery to evaluate contractile units, including muscles and tendons, and their ability to generate forces. Reliability of strength MMT grade of lower extremity is 66-0.90. There are six grades of MMT i.e. Grade 5 (Normal), Grade 4 (Good), Grade 3+ (Fair), Grade 2+ (Poor), Grade 1 (Trace) and Grade 0 (Zero)
Measured: 12th week
inter-recti distance
The subjects were in supine resting position with the knees bent at 90° and feet resting on the plinth, arms alongside the body. After instruction in how to perform an abdominal crunch the subjects were asked to raise the head and shoulders upwards until the shoulder blades cleared the table. One physiotherapist placed the fingers vertically on the subject's Linea Alba in a way that fingers widths could fit the distance between the internal borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles. Using the center of the umbilicus as a reference, measurements were taken in two previously marked locations: one being 2 cm above the umbilicus and the other being 2 cm below the umbilicus.
Measured: 12th week
Oswestry Disability Index
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is defined as a validated metric that assesses a patient's perceived level of disability through a 10-question assessment, yielding a numerical score from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater disability
Measured: 12th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completionOct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Diastasis RectiStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- adeela arif, t-DPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07440836
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0536
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Abdullah, Rehman KA, Ahmad B, Arshad MK, Saeed H, Keen MA, Anwar A, Saleem NUA, Salma Shabbar Banatwala UE, Bilal Z, Shahzad M, Shakoor P, Niazi MA. 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. Physiother Res Int. 2025 Apr;30(2):e70038. doi: 10.1002/pri.70038.
PubMed 40018828Benjamin DR, Frawley HC, Shields N, Peiris CL, van de Water ATM, Bruder AM, Taylor NF. Conservative interventions may have little effect on reducing diastasis of the rectus abdominis in postnatal women - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2023 Jun;119:54-71. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2023.02.002. Epub 2023 Mar 5.
PubMed 36934466Berg-Poppe P, Hauer M, Jones C, Munger M, Wethor C. Use of Exercise in the Management of Postpartum Diastasis Recti: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 2022.
Toprak Celenay S, Balaban M, Ozer Kaya D. Immediate effects of corrective exercise versus curl-up in women with diastasis recti abdominis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Oct;40:1610-1614. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.08.011. Epub 2024 Aug 15.
PubMed 39593499Cuña-Carrera ID, Soto-González M, Alonso-Calvete A, González-González Y, Lantarón-Caeiro E. Immediate effects of different types of abdominal exercises on the inter-rectus distance. Isokinetics and exercise science. 2021
Gluppe S, Engh ME, Bo K. What is the evidence for abdominal and pelvic floor muscle training to treat diastasis recti abdominis postpartum? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Braz J Phys Ther. 2021 Nov-Dec;25(6):664-675. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2021.06.006. Epub 2021 Jul 21.
PubMed 34391661
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Strength, Inter Recti Distance and Pain in Females With Diastasis Recti
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07440836
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0536
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti
- Keywords
- Diastasis recti abdominis, inter-recti distance, corrective exercises, plank exercises, postpartum rehabilitation, pain, abdominal strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will be randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Services Hospital and poly clinics. The total duration of treatment will be 12 weeks. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 56 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A performs corrective exercises focused on deep core engagement, while Group B performs plank exercises aimed at overall abdominal activation. Each group follows their respective regimen three times per week for 12 weeks. Baseline EMS and pelvic floor exercises are conducted for all participants to ensure core stability before the interventions begin. Outcome measures, including manual muscle testing (MMT) for strength, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, are recorded both before and after the 12-week intervention. After data collection data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| corrective exercises | Experimental | Other: corrective exercisesDuring weeks 1-4, the program emphasized low-load activation, including transversus abdominis (TrA) drawing-in activation, posterior pelvic tilting, and modified heel slides performed with strict abdominal control. In weeks 5-8, progression was achieved through increased hold times, higher repetitions, slower tempo, and the gradual introduction of light resistance or functional integration cues where tolerated. In weeks 9-12, participants progressed toward functional core integration and advanced control exercises such as dead bug variations, |
| PLANK EXERCISES | Experimental | Other: Plank ExerciseIn weeks 1-4, the program began with modified plank positions using knee-and-elbow support and modified side planks, with short hold durations and adequate rest intervals. During weeks 5-8, hold times were progressively increased, and participants were introduced to controlled plank variations such as weight-shifts or arm reach tasks depending on tolerance and maintenance of neutral spine control. In weeks 9-12, progression was aimed toward longer holds and more advanced stabilization tasks, including leg lifts in plank and progression toward full plank positions |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- If IRD is greater than 4cm and above
- Postpartum females
- Three months to three years postpartum with presence of diastasis rectus abdominis
- Vaginal delivery
- Multiparous
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Subjects with any heart condition, respiratory condition
- Any pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Any neurological disease eg preeclampsia, epilepsy
- Trauma to bowel or bladder
- Prior history of physical therapy treatment for pelvic floor issues
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| corrective exercisesrestoration of trunk stability, and reduction of IRD through improved tensioning of the linea alba. During weeks 1-4, the program emphasized low-load activation, including transversus abdominis (TrA) drawing-in activation, posterior pelvic tilting, and modified heel slides performed with strict abdominal control. In weeks 5-8, progression was achieved through increased hold times, higher repetitions, slower tempo, and the gradual introduction of light resistance or functional integration cues where tolerated. In weeks 9-12, participants progressed toward functional core integration and advanced control exercises such as dead bug variations, | Other | corrective exercises |
| Plank ExerciseIn weeks 1-4, the program began with modified plank positions using knee-and-elbow support and modified side planks, with short hold durations and adequate rest intervals. During weeks 5-8, hold times were progressively increased, and participants were introduced to controlled plank variations such as weight-shifts or arm reach tasks depending on tolerance and maintenance of neutral spine control. In weeks 9-12, progression was aimed toward longer holds and more advanced stabilization tasks, including leg lifts in plank and progression toward full plank positions | Other | PLANK EXERCISES |
Primary outcome
NPRS
Time frame: 12th week
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain. The NPRS is a widely used patient reported outcome scale.27-29 The ordinal 11-point NPRS (0-no pain, 10-most intense pain) is the most commonly used version which has good test-retest reliability (r=.79-.96) in individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal pathology.
• MMT
Time frame: 12th week
MMT is the most commonly used method for documenting impairments in muscle strength. Manual muscle testing is used in rehabilitation and recovery to evaluate contractile units, including muscles and tendons, and their ability to generate forces. Reliability of strength MMT grade of lower extremity is 66-0.90. There are six grades of MMT i.e. Grade 5 (Normal), Grade 4 (Good), Grade 3+ (Fair), Grade 2+ (Poor), Grade 1 (Trace) and Grade 0 (Zero)
inter-recti distance
Time frame: 12th week
The subjects were in supine resting position with the knees bent at 90° and feet resting on the plinth, arms alongside the body. After instruction in how to perform an abdominal crunch the subjects were asked to raise the head and shoulders upwards until the shoulder blades cleared the table. One physiotherapist placed the fingers vertically on the subject's Linea Alba in a way that fingers widths could fit the distance between the internal borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles. Using the center of the umbilicus as a reference, measurements were taken in two previously marked locations: one being 2 cm above the umbilicus and the other being 2 cm below the umbilicus.
Oswestry Disability Index
Time frame: 12th week
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is defined as a validated metric that assesses a patient's perceived level of disability through a 10-question assessment, yielding a numerical score from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater disability
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 40018828Abdullah, Rehman KA, Ahmad B, Arshad MK, Saeed H, Keen MA, Anwar A, Saleem NUA, Salma Shabbar Banatwala UE, Bilal Z, Shahzad M, Shakoor P, Niazi MA. 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. Physiother Res Int. 2025 Apr;30(2):e70038. doi: 10.1002/pri.70038.
- Background: PubMed 36934466Benjamin DR, Frawley HC, Shields N, Peiris CL, van de Water ATM, Bruder AM, Taylor NF. Conservative interventions may have little effect on reducing diastasis of the rectus abdominis in postnatal women - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. 2023 Jun;119:54-71. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2023.02.002. Epub 2023 Mar 5.
- BackgroundBerg-Poppe P, Hauer M, Jones C, Munger M, Wethor C. Use of Exercise in the Management of Postpartum Diastasis Recti: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 2022.
- Background: PubMed 39593499Toprak Celenay S, Balaban M, Ozer Kaya D. Immediate effects of corrective exercise versus curl-up in women with diastasis recti abdominis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Oct;40:1610-1614. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.08.011. Epub 2024 Aug 15.
- BackgroundCuña-Carrera ID, Soto-González M, Alonso-Calvete A, González-González Y, Lantarón-Caeiro E. Immediate effects of different types of abdominal exercises on the inter-rectus distance. Isokinetics and exercise science. 2021
- Background: PubMed 34391661Gluppe S, Engh ME, Bo K. What is the evidence for abdominal and pelvic floor muscle training to treat diastasis recti abdominis postpartum? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Braz J Phys Ther. 2021 Nov-Dec;25(6):664-675. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2021.06.006. Epub 2021 Jul 21.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
adeela arif, t-DPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing corrective exercises and Plank Exercise in people with Diastasis Recti, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact imran amjad, PhD (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NPRS (time frame: 12th week). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07440836, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Sep 2026.