Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum)NCT07884266
Home-Based Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti in Early Postpartum Women
A study testing Standard Postpartum Education and 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum), run by Medical University of Gdansk at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with education on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum)
- What is being tested?
- Standard Postpartum Education and 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 78 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 25 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Inter-recti distance (IRD) of ≥28 mm at rest or ≥25 mm during contraction, measured 2 cm above and/or below the umbilicus; and/or a visible abdominal bulging during contraction.
- Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- History of laparotomy.
- Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe orthopedic injuries).
- Serious maternal illness (e.g., cardiac or respiratory conditions requiring medical supervision).
- Inability to communicate in Polish.
- Mental disorders that interfere with logical communication with the participant.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Poland1 site
Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Clinical Physiotherapy
Gdansk, Pomeranian, 80-219
About this study
Official title: The Impact of an Early Postpartum 6-week Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis and Abdominal Wall Function
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with education on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period.
The study includes healthy women over 18 years of age, recruited within the first 3 days after childbirth, who have been diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. Participants are assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. The control group receives standard postpartum education regarding ergonomics, safe lifting, and toilet habits. The experimental group receives the same standard education along with a specific 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program and breathing instructions, supported by video materials.
Researchers will assess the inter-recti distance (IRD), abdominal muscle strength, back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia. IRD measurements are taken twice: at baseline (during hospitalization) and after the 6-week intervention. Assessments of back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia are conducted once, at 6 weeks postpartum.
Read the detailed description
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) affects a significant majority of women in the early postpartum period. While spontaneous recovery can occur, abdominal wall changes often persist, potentially leading to functional limitations, lumbopelvic pain, and reduced quality of life. This prospective, controlled interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with standard education on the inter-recti distance (IRD) and overall abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period.
Participants were recruited at the maternity ward (Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne) between days 0 and 3 postpartum. Following informed consent and confirmation of eligibility based on physical examination (presence of DRA or midline bulging during increased intra-abdominal pressure), participants were allocated into two groups: control and experimental.
Control Group:
Participants received standard postpartum care, consisting of individual consultations with a physiotherapist. The education covered ergonomic position changes, safe lifting principles, and healthy toilet habits. Educational materials were also provided in the form of a printed brochure and via email.
Experimental Group:
Participants received the same standard educational consultation as the control group. In addition, before starting the online program, participants received in-person instruction on correct breathing patterns (diaphragmatic breathing) and basic pelvic movements (anterior and posterior tilt). The experimental group then performed a six-week home-based exercise program three times per week, developed based on current scientific evidence regarding DRA management. The program included three exercises emphasizing the synchronization of movement with prolonged exhalation, featuring progressive increases in repetitions and sets every two weeks. Instructional videos were provided via private YouTube links sent by email. To monitor compliance, each participant received both a paper and an electronic training diary to record exercise adherence.
Study Procedures:
Baseline physical assessments were conducted during the initial hospitalization (0-3 days postpartum) and focused on measuring the inter-recti distance (IRD) using an electronic caliper at three anatomical locations: at the umbilicus, 2 cm above, and 2 cm below.
After the 6-week intervention period, a follow-up assessment was conducted. This included a re-evaluation of the IRD and an assessment of abdominal muscle strength using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) curl-up test. Furthermore, the 6-week follow-up included subjective assessments of back pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index, body perception using the Body Esteem Scale (BES), and kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11).
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum)
- Being tested
- Standard Postpartum Education, 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program
- Keywords
- diastasis recti abdominis, inter-recti distance, postpartum women, exercise, abdominal muscles
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Standard Postpartum EducationBehavioural
The intervention consists of standard postpartum care provided as an individual consultation with a physiotherapist. The education covers ergonomic position changes, safe lifting principles, and healthy toilet habits. Educational materials are provided to the participants in the form of a printed brochure and via email.
6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise ProgramBehavioural
The intervention consists of a six-week home-based exercise program performed three times per week. Before starting the online program, participants receive in-person instruction on correct diaphragmatic breathing patterns and basic pelvic movements (anterior and posterior tilt). The main program includes three exercises emphasizing the synchronization of movement with prolonged exhalation, featuring progressive increases in repetitions and sets every two weeks. Instructional videos are provided via private YouTube links. To monitor compliance, each participant receives both a paper and an electronic training diary. Participants in this group also receive the standard postpartum education.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Standard Postpartum Education |
| Experimental group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Inter-Recti Distance
Inter-recti distance measured in millimeters (mm) using a digital electronic caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Participants are positioned supine with knees flexed at 90 degrees. Measurements are taken at three anatomical locations (2 cm above, directly at, and 2 cm below the umbilicus) under two conditions: at rest and during a standardized curl-up maneuver (abdominal crunch until the inferior angles of the scapulae clear the bench).
Measured: Baseline (0-3 days postpartum) and 6 weeks postpartum.
Secondary outcomes (5)
Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Function by the ACSM Curl-up Test
Abdominal muscle endurance and performance evaluated using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Curl-up Test protocol. The assessment includes two parameters: the total number of correctly completed repetitions (unit of measure: number of repetitions) and the movement distance of the fingertips along the measuring strip (unit of measure: centimeters).
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of linea alba bulging
Visual observation and classification of midline abdominal bulging during three functional maneuvers: curl-up test, straight leg raise in supine position, and spinal extension in standing position. Outcome is reported as a binary classification ("Bulging - YES" vs. "Bulging - NO"). The occurrence of bulging in any of the performed tests results in assignment to the "YES" category, regardless of the specific maneuver in which it was observed.
Measured: Baseline (0-3 days postpartum) and 6 weeks postpartum.
Assessment of kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia
Assessment of kinesiophobia using the unabbreviated 11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Total scores range from 11 to 44 points, where higher scores indicate a worse outcome.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of back pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index
Assessment of low back pain-related disability using the unabbreviated Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Total scores range from 0% to 100%, where higher percentages indicate a worse outcome.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of body perception using the Body Esteem Scale BES
The Polish version of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) is a 35-item self-report questionnaire measuring attitudes toward one's body on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 ("strong negative feelings") to 5 ("strong positive feelings"). For females, items are grouped into three subscales: Sexual Attractiveness, Weight Concern, and Physical Condition. Higher scores represent a more positive body image and higher body esteem. Raw scores are transformed into age-adjusted sten scores (scale 1-10), interpreted as low (1-3 sten), moderate (4-7 sten), or high (8-10 sten) body esteem.
Measured: 6 weeks postpartum
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion25 Aug 2025
- Study completion25 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- 78 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Gdansk
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zofia Sotomska, Medical University of Gdansk
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07884266
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KB/223/2025
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Oct 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 via email.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Impact of an Early Postpartum 6-week Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis and Abdominal Wall Function
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07884266
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KB/223/2025
- Conditions
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum)
- Keywords
- diastasis recti abdominis, inter-recti distance, postpartum women, exercise, abdominal muscles
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 78 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of GdanskUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Oct 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.
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with education on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period.
The study includes healthy women over 18 years of age, recruited within the first 3 days after childbirth, who have been diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. Participants are assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. The control group receives standard postpartum education regarding ergonomics, safe lifting, and toilet habits. The experimental group receives the same standard education along with a specific 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program and breathing instructions, supported by video materials.
Researchers will assess the inter-recti distance (IRD), abdominal muscle strength, back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia. IRD measurements are taken twice: at baseline (during hospitalization) and after the 6-week intervention. Assessments of back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia are conducted once, at 6 weeks postpartum.
Detailed description
Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) affects a significant majority of women in the early postpartum period. While spontaneous recovery can occur, abdominal wall changes often persist, potentially leading to functional limitations, lumbopelvic pain, and reduced quality of life. This prospective, controlled interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with standard education on the inter-recti distance (IRD) and overall abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period.
Participants were recruited at the maternity ward (Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne) between days 0 and 3 postpartum. Following informed consent and confirmation of eligibility based on physical examination (presence of DRA or midline bulging during increased intra-abdominal pressure), participants were allocated into two groups: control and experimental.
Control Group:
Participants received standard postpartum care, consisting of individual consultations with a physiotherapist. The education covered ergonomic position changes, safe lifting principles, and healthy toilet habits. Educational materials were also provided in the form of a printed brochure and via email.
Experimental Group:
Participants received the same standard educational consultation as the control group. In addition, before starting the online program, participants received in-person instruction on correct breathing patterns (diaphragmatic breathing) and basic pelvic movements (anterior and posterior tilt). The experimental group then performed a six-week home-based exercise program three times per week, developed based on current scientific evidence regarding DRA management. The program included three exercises emphasizing the synchronization of movement with prolonged exhalation, featuring progressive increases in repetitions and sets every two weeks. Instructional videos were provided via private YouTube links sent by email. To monitor compliance, each participant received both a paper and an electronic training diary to record exercise adherence.
Study Procedures:
Baseline physical assessments were conducted during the initial hospitalization (0-3 days postpartum) and focused on measuring the inter-recti distance (IRD) using an electronic caliper at three anatomical locations: at the umbilicus, 2 cm above, and 2 cm below.
After the 6-week intervention period, a follow-up assessment was conducted. This included a re-evaluation of the IRD and an assessment of abdominal muscle strength using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) curl-up test. Furthermore, the 6-week follow-up included subjective assessments of back pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index, body perception using the Body Esteem Scale (BES), and kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Standard Postpartum Education |
| Experimental group | Experimental | Behavioral: 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Inter-recti distance (IRD) of ≥28 mm at rest or ≥25 mm during contraction, measured 2 cm above and/or below the umbilicus; and/or a visible abdominal bulging during contraction.
- Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of laparotomy.
- Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe orthopedic injuries).
- Serious maternal illness (e.g., cardiac or respiratory conditions requiring medical supervision).
- Inability to communicate in Polish.
- Mental disorders that interfere with logical communication with the participant.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Postpartum EducationThe intervention consists of standard postpartum care provided as an individual consultation with a physiotherapist. The education covers ergonomic position changes, safe lifting principles, and healthy toilet habits. Educational materials are provided to the participants in the form of a printed brochure and via email. | Behavioural | Control group |
| 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise ProgramThe intervention consists of a six-week home-based exercise program performed three times per week. Before starting the online program, participants receive in-person instruction on correct diaphragmatic breathing patterns and basic pelvic movements (anterior and posterior tilt). The main program includes three exercises emphasizing the synchronization of movement with prolonged exhalation, featuring progressive increases in repetitions and sets every two weeks. Instructional videos are provided via private YouTube links. To monitor compliance, each participant receives both a paper and an electronic training diary. Participants in this group also receive the standard postpartum education. | Behavioural | Experimental group |
Primary outcome
Change in Inter-Recti Distance
Time frame: Baseline (0-3 days postpartum) and 6 weeks postpartum.
Inter-recti distance measured in millimeters (mm) using a digital electronic caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Participants are positioned supine with knees flexed at 90 degrees. Measurements are taken at three anatomical locations (2 cm above, directly at, and 2 cm below the umbilicus) under two conditions: at rest and during a standardized curl-up maneuver (abdominal crunch until the inferior angles of the scapulae clear the bench).
5 secondary outcomes
Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Function by the ACSM Curl-up Test
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of linea alba bulging
Time frame: Baseline (0-3 days postpartum) and 6 weeks postpartum.
Assessment of kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of back pain-related disability using the Oswestry Disability Index
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Assessment of body perception using the Body Esteem Scale BES
Time frame: 6 weeks postpartum
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Anonymized individual participant data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author via email.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Standard Postpartum Education and 6-Week Home-Based Abdominal Exercise Program in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (Postpartum), 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 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Oct 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Inter-Recti Distance (time frame: Baseline (0-3 days postpartum) and 6 weeks postpartum.). 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 20 Oct 2026.