Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)NCT07839572
Risk Factors and Exercise Effects on Abdominal Separation in Seniors
A study testing Abdominal Exercise Program in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and Aging, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in the geriatric population and assess the effectiveness of a targeted exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and linea alba stability. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), Aging
- What is being tested?
- Abdominal Exercise Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 500 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 17 Aug 2026to 31 Jul 2029
- 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 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Men and women aged 60 years and older (≥ 60 years of age).
- Provision of signed informed consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Inability to communicate effectively in Polish.
- Inability to perform cervical spine flexion.
- Lack of written informed consent to participate in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Poland1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Clinical Physiotherapy
Gdansk, Pomeranian, 80-214
Anna Jamrowska, MSc, PT, +48 58 349 16 38, anna.jamrowska@gumed.edu.pl
About this study
Official title: Risk Factors and the Impact of a Physical Exercise Program on Inter-Recti Distance in the Geriatric Population
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in the geriatric population and assess the effectiveness of a targeted exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and linea alba stability. Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which can affect trunk stability, posture, and pelvic floor function. While heavily researched in postpartum women, data regarding DRA in older adults remains limited. In the first observational phase, 500 participants aged 60 and older will undergo ultrasonographic (USG) measurement of the inter-recti distance (2 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus) and an assessment of linea alba stability during active movements (cervical flexion, leg raise, and trunk extension). Abdominal circumference will also be measured. Risk factors, functional status, physical activity, urinary incontinence, and low back pain will be evaluated using standardized questionnaires (IPAQ, ICIQ-UI SF, Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index) and a custom survey. Participants diagnosed with DRA (IRD 2 cm and/or linea alba instability) will be invited to join the second, interventional phase. They will be randomly allocated to either an experimental exercise group or a control group. The exercise group will perform a structured 8-to-10-week exercise program, while the control group receives no intervention. Follow-up assessments (USG, stability testing, and questionnaires) will be conducted for both groups after the 8-10 week period to compare outcomes.
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), Aging
- Being tested
- Abdominal Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Inter-Recti Distance, Ultrasonography, Exercise Therapy, Geriatric Population
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Abdominal Exercise ProgramOther
An 8-to-10-week exercise program designed for older adults diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. The intervention includes targeted abdominal muscle activation and trunk stabilization exercises aimed at reducing inter-recti distance (IRD) and improving linea alba stability.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Abdominal Exercise Program |
| Control group | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in the Geriatric Population
Percentage of geriatric participants (aged 60 and older) diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis, defined as an inter-recti distance (IRD) greater than 2.0 cm measured via ultrasound imaging during the Phase 1 screening.
Measured: Baseline
Mean Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) in the Geriatric Population
Evaluation of the mean inter-recti distance (in centimeters) measured via high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography (USG) at specified anatomical points along the linea alba.
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) Following Exercise Intervention
Inter-recti distance measured in centimeters via high-resolution ultrasonography at rest and during abdominal contraction. A decrease in IRD indicates structural improvement of the linea alba.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 to 10 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Sep 2026
- Study start17 Aug 2026
- Primary completion31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medical University of GdanskThe 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
- 500 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Gdansk
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University Clinical Centre, Gdansk
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zofia Sotomska, Medical University of Gdansk
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07839572
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KB/369/2026
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Anonymized individual participant data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.
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
- Risk Factors and the Impact of a Physical Exercise Program on Inter-Recti Distance in the Geriatric Population
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07839572
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KB/369/2026
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), Aging
- Keywords
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Inter-Recti Distance, Ultrasonography, Exercise Therapy, Geriatric Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 500 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of GdanskUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University Clinical Centre, Gdansk
- Study start
- 17 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Sep 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 evaluate the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in the geriatric population and assess the effectiveness of a targeted exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and linea alba stability. Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which can affect trunk stability, posture, and pelvic floor function. While heavily researched in postpartum women, data regarding DRA in older adults remains limited. In the first observational phase, 500 participants aged 60 and older will undergo ultrasonographic (USG) measurement of the inter-recti distance (2 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus) and an assessment of linea alba stability during active movements (cervical flexion, leg raise, and trunk extension). Abdominal circumference will also be measured. Risk factors, functional status, physical activity, urinary incontinence, and low back pain will be evaluated using standardized questionnaires (IPAQ, ICIQ-UI SF, Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index) and a custom survey. Participants diagnosed with DRA (IRD 2 cm and/or linea alba instability) will be invited to join the second, interventional phase. They will be randomly allocated to either an experimental exercise group or a control group. The exercise group will perform a structured 8-to-10-week exercise program, while the control group receives no intervention. Follow-up assessments (USG, stability testing, and questionnaires) will be conducted for both groups after the 8-10 week period to compare outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group | Experimental | Other: Abdominal Exercise Program |
| Control group | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Men and women aged 60 years and older (≥ 60 years of age).
- Provision of signed informed consent to participate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Inability to communicate effectively in Polish.
- Inability to perform cervical spine flexion.
- Lack of written informed consent to participate in the study.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal Exercise ProgramAn 8-to-10-week exercise program designed for older adults diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. The intervention includes targeted abdominal muscle activation and trunk stabilization exercises aimed at reducing inter-recti distance (IRD) and improving linea alba stability. | Other | Experimental group |
Primary outcome
Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in the Geriatric Population
Time frame: Baseline
Percentage of geriatric participants (aged 60 and older) diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis, defined as an inter-recti distance (IRD) greater than 2.0 cm measured via ultrasound imaging during the Phase 1 screening.
Mean Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) in the Geriatric Population
Time frame: Baseline
Evaluation of the mean inter-recti distance (in centimeters) measured via high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography (USG) at specified anatomical points along the linea alba.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) Following Exercise Intervention
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 to 10 weeks of intervention
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.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Anonymized individual participant data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.
Related trials for Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)
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Effects of Transverse Abdominis Activation and Rectus Abdominis Strengthening on Inter-rectus Distance and Core Stability
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Effects of Visceral Manipulation Combined with Kinesio Taping on Diastasis Recti, Pain Intensity, Stress Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Strength, and Overall Wellness in Postpartum Women
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Abdominal Exercise Program in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and Aging, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 1 site in Poland.
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 2 inclusion and 3 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 Poland. 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 Zofia Sotomska, PhD, PT (+48 58 349 16 38, zofia.sotomska@gumed.edu.pl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in the Geriatric Population (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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.