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Home-Based Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti in Early Postpartum Women
Sponsor: Medical University of Gdansk
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. 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.
Official title: The Impact of an Early Postpartum 6-week Exercise Program on Diastasis Recti Abdominis and Abdominal Wall Function
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
78
Start Date
2025-07-01
Completion Date
2025-10-30
Last Updated
2026-10-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Standard Postpartum Education
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 Program
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.
Locations (1)
Medical University of Gdańsk, Department of Clinical Physiotherapy
Gdansk, Pomeranian, Poland