Diastasis RectiNCT07576218
Effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises in Diastasis Recti
A study testing Experimental: Pilates exercises and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises in people with Diastasis Recti, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to determine the comparative effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank exercises on pain, strength and inter rectus distance in Diastasis Recti Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Diastasis Recti
- What is being tested?
- Experimental: Pilates exercises and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 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 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Multiparous women
- Postpartum women (within 6 to 12 months postpartum)
- BMI <30
- IRD ≥2 cm diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (verified by ultrasound or clinical assessment)
- Participants who have undergone either vaginal delivery or cesarean section (C-section).
Who cannot join
- Significant pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse or other related conditions
- Patient with unmanaged chronic conditions, like heart disease or hypertension
- Recent abdominal or related surgeries within the past six months
- Women who are currently pregnant or experiencing postpartum complications.
- Patient with presence of hernia.
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
Sehat Medical Complex
Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400
sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM, Sobia.physio@gmail.com
Rameesha khan, MSPT(WH)
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises on Pain, Strength and Inter-Rectus Distance in Diastasis Recti
This study aims to determine the comparative effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank exercises on pain, strength and inter rectus distance in Diastasis Recti
Read the detailed description
This will be a randomized clinical trial collected from University of Lahore Teaching hospital and Sehat Medical Complex Lahore by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Multiparous women with a BMI less than 30 kg/m² and have been clinically diagnosed with Diastasis Recti will be included in this study. Participants must be able to perform physical activity without contraindications and must provide informed consent. Women currently pregnant, with significant pelvic floor dysfunction, unmanaged chronic illnesses (e.g., heart disease or hypertension), recent abdominal surgeries within the last six months will be excluded. The sample size is calculated to be 34, with 17 participants in each group. Group A will receive Pilates training, while Group B will undergo progressive prone plank exercises. Each session will last for 45 minute, thrice weekly for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), strength (Manual Muscle Testing), and inter-rectus distance (measured by finger-width method with a Vernier caliper). Data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 27.0.
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti
- Being tested
- Experimental: Pilates exercises, Progressive Prone Plank Exercises
- Keywords
- female, abdominal muscles, Muscle Strength, postpartum, Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Experimental: Pilates exercisesOther
It will be delivered three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes
Progressive Prone Plank ExercisesOther
It will be delivered three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates exercises | Experimental | All exercises in the Pilates training group will be performed on a mat in a controlled environment under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The focus will be on core activation, controlled breathing, and maintaining neutral spine alignment throughout all movements Receives: Other: Experimental: Pilates exercises |
| Progressive Prone Plank Exercises | Experimental | Participants will follow a structured progressive prone plank protocol designed to strengthen the core muscles, particularly targeting the transverse abdominus and rectus abdominus, which are crucial in managing Diastasis Recti. All exercises will be performed under supervision, with emphasis on correct posture, controlled breathing, and spinal alignment Receives: Other: Progressive Prone Plank Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a widely used subjective pain measurement tool. It was created as a simple way to assess pain severity. It has a rating range of 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain, 5 indicating severe discomfort, and 10 denoting the greatest conceivable agony
Measured: 4th week
Manual muscle testing
Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a fundamental assessment method used by healthcare professionals to evaluate muscle strength, including the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. (34) It has a scoring range from 0 to 5 where 5 shows maximum strength. It has a reliability range from 0.88 to 0.94. It also has a good validity with 0.62 to 1.00 range
Measured: 4th week
Finger width method
In this patient were asked to lie in a supine position in crook lying. Patient is instructed to do abdominal crunch till their shoulder is off the couch. By palpation around the protrusion along the linea alba diastasis recti is assessed with 4.5 cm above and below of umbilical. In case of less than 2 fingers breadth there is no diastasis recti. In case of 2 to 3 fingers breadth the diastasis recti is considered mild. In case of 3 to 4 fingers breadth it is considered as moderate and in case of 4 or more than 4 fingers breadth the diastasis recti is considered severe. The measurement will be done with the help of a Vernier caliper. Measurements were taken 4.5 cm above and below the umbilicus during an abdominal crunch, with the caliper placed between the palpated borders of the rectus abdominis. Three readings were taken at each point, and the average was used for analysis
Measured: 4th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study start1 Oct 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 (5)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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576218
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0503
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 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
Cavalli M, Aiolfi A, Bruni PG, Manfredini L, Lombardo F, Bonfanti MT, Bona D, Campanelli G. Prevalence and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis: a review and proposal of a new anatomical variation. Hernia. 2021 Aug;25(4):883-890. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02468-8. Epub 2021 Aug 6.
PubMed 34363190Gluppe S, Ellstrom Engh M, Bo K. Primiparous women's knowledge of diastasis recti abdominis, concerns about abdominal appearance, treatments, and perceived abdominal muscle strength 6-8 months postpartum. A cross sectional comparison study. BMC Womens Health. 2022 Nov 2;22(1):428. doi: 10.1186/s12905-022-02009-0.
PubMed 36324105Lin S, Lu J, Wang L, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Qian S, Xu H, Gu Y. Prevalence and risk factors of diastasis recti abdominis in the long-term postpartum: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 27;14(1):25640. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-76974-x.
PubMed 39465305Fuentes Aparicio L, Rejano-Campo M, Donnelly GM, Vicente-Campos V. Self-reported symptoms in women with diastasis rectus abdominis: A systematic review. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2021 Sep;50(7):101995. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101995. Epub 2020 Nov 20. No abstract available.
PubMed 33227494Tung RC, Towfigh S. Diagnostic techniques for diastasis recti. Hernia. 2021 Aug;25(4):915-919. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02469-7. Epub 2021 Jul 27.
PubMed 34313855
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
- Comparative Effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises on Pain, Strength and Inter-Rectus Distance in Diastasis Recti
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576218
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0503
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti
- Keywords
- female, abdominal muscles, Muscle Strength, postpartum, Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 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 aims to determine the comparative effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank exercises on pain, strength and inter rectus distance in Diastasis Recti
Detailed description
This will be a randomized clinical trial collected from University of Lahore Teaching hospital and Sehat Medical Complex Lahore by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Multiparous women with a BMI less than 30 kg/m² and have been clinically diagnosed with Diastasis Recti will be included in this study. Participants must be able to perform physical activity without contraindications and must provide informed consent. Women currently pregnant, with significant pelvic floor dysfunction, unmanaged chronic illnesses (e.g., heart disease or hypertension), recent abdominal surgeries within the last six months will be excluded. The sample size is calculated to be 34, with 17 participants in each group. Group A will receive Pilates training, while Group B will undergo progressive prone plank exercises. Each session will last for 45 minute, thrice weekly for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), strength (Manual Muscle Testing), and inter-rectus distance (measured by finger-width method with a Vernier caliper). Data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 27.0.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates exercises | Experimental | Other: Experimental: Pilates exercisesAll exercises in the Pilates training group will be performed on a mat in a controlled environment under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The focus will be on core activation, controlled breathing, and maintaining neutral spine alignment throughout all movements |
| Progressive Prone Plank Exercises | Experimental | Other: Progressive Prone Plank ExercisesParticipants will follow a structured progressive prone plank protocol designed to strengthen the core muscles, particularly targeting the transverse abdominus and rectus abdominus, which are crucial in managing Diastasis Recti. All exercises will be performed under supervision, with emphasis on correct posture, controlled breathing, and spinal alignment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Multiparous women
- Postpartum women (within 6 to 12 months postpartum)
- BMI <30
- IRD ≥2 cm diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (verified by ultrasound or clinical assessment)
- Participants who have undergone either vaginal delivery or cesarean section (C-section).
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Significant pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse or other related conditions
- Patient with unmanaged chronic conditions, like heart disease or hypertension
- Recent abdominal or related surgeries within the past six months
- Women who are currently pregnant or experiencing postpartum complications.
- Patient with presence of hernia.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: Pilates exercisesIt will be delivered three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes | Other | Pilates exercises |
| Progressive Prone Plank ExercisesIt will be delivered three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes | Other | Progressive Prone Plank Exercises |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: 4th week
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a widely used subjective pain measurement tool. It was created as a simple way to assess pain severity. It has a rating range of 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain, 5 indicating severe discomfort, and 10 denoting the greatest conceivable agony
Manual muscle testing
Time frame: 4th week
Manual muscle testing (MMT) is a fundamental assessment method used by healthcare professionals to evaluate muscle strength, including the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. (34) It has a scoring range from 0 to 5 where 5 shows maximum strength. It has a reliability range from 0.88 to 0.94. It also has a good validity with 0.62 to 1.00 range
Finger width method
Time frame: 4th week
In this patient were asked to lie in a supine position in crook lying. Patient is instructed to do abdominal crunch till their shoulder is off the couch. By palpation around the protrusion along the linea alba diastasis recti is assessed with 4.5 cm above and below of umbilical. In case of less than 2 fingers breadth there is no diastasis recti. In case of 2 to 3 fingers breadth the diastasis recti is considered mild. In case of 3 to 4 fingers breadth it is considered as moderate and in case of 4 or more than 4 fingers breadth the diastasis recti is considered severe. The measurement will be done with the help of a Vernier caliper. Measurements were taken 4.5 cm above and below the umbilicus during an abdominal crunch, with the caliper placed between the palpated borders of the rectus abdominis. Three readings were taken at each point, and the average was used for analysis
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 34363190Cavalli M, Aiolfi A, Bruni PG, Manfredini L, Lombardo F, Bonfanti MT, Bona D, Campanelli G. Prevalence and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis: a review and proposal of a new anatomical variation. Hernia. 2021 Aug;25(4):883-890. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02468-8. Epub 2021 Aug 6.
- Background: PubMed 36324105Gluppe S, Ellstrom Engh M, Bo K. Primiparous women's knowledge of diastasis recti abdominis, concerns about abdominal appearance, treatments, and perceived abdominal muscle strength 6-8 months postpartum. A cross sectional comparison study. BMC Womens Health. 2022 Nov 2;22(1):428. doi: 10.1186/s12905-022-02009-0.
- Background: PubMed 39465305Lin S, Lu J, Wang L, Zhang Y, Zhu C, Qian S, Xu H, Gu Y. Prevalence and risk factors of diastasis recti abdominis in the long-term postpartum: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 27;14(1):25640. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-76974-x.
- Background: PubMed 33227494Fuentes Aparicio L, Rejano-Campo M, Donnelly GM, Vicente-Campos V. Self-reported symptoms in women with diastasis rectus abdominis: A systematic review. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2021 Sep;50(7):101995. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101995. Epub 2020 Nov 20. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 34313855Tung RC, Towfigh S. Diagnostic techniques for diastasis recti. Hernia. 2021 Aug;25(4):915-919. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02469-7. Epub 2021 Jul 27.
- 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.
sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM 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 Experimental: Pilates exercises and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises 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 5 inclusion and 5 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 (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?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: 4th week). The study lists 3 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 NCT07576218, which also lists 5 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.