Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Drawing in Maneuver and Resisted Ankle Dorsiflexion in Postpartum Diastasis Recti

The aim of this study is to compare the combine effects of drawing in maneuver and resisted ankle dorsiflexion on pain, inter-recti distance, strength and quality of life in postpartum diastasis recti.

AfterBabyBodyStudy- Testing Manual Examination Methods and Exercise Effects on Muscular Recovery After Pregnancy

Exercising postpartum is important for the health of mother and child. However, there are physical changes postpartum which can prevent women from exercising postpartum. About 30% of women postpartum have problems with stress urinary incontinence. Almost as many have a remaining separation of the two parts of the muscle rectus abdominis. Over the last decenium there has been an increased interest but also disparate information about these conditions. This has led to an increased uncertainty among women who wants to resume exercising postpartum. More and more women seek help of physiotherapists to verify an appropriate function in their muscles after pregnancy. However, reliable and valid examination methods are scarce and it is unclear how to interpret the examination results to give individualized exercise advice. The aim of this study is to test the reliability of examination methods for the pelvic floor function and separation of the rectus abdominis and the criterion validity of these examination methods regarding exercising without leaking urine and lumbopelvic pain. Another aim is to identify if exercising postpartum has effects on the function of the muscles and (less) leaking of urine and lumbopelvic pain/disability. Recruitment of 300 women approximately 8 weeks postpartum in the Region Västra Götaland. For testing interrater reliability on manual examination of the pelvic floor and the separation of the rectus abdominis by caliper two physiotherapists will examine the participants´ pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. The examinations will be tested for criterion validity using a questionnaire for pelvic floor function, lumbopelvic pain/disability and physical activity level. In an observational component of this study the questionnaire will also be used to evaluate the effects of exercising postpartum on the recovery of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles at 6, 9 and 12 months postpartum. This study will provide knowledge about the reliability of examination methods for pelvic floor function and separation of the rectus abdominis, their correlation to urinary leakage and pain/disability (criterion validity) and the effects of exercising on muscle function postpartum.

Effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises 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

Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on 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.

Image-Guided Herniorrhaphy Study

This pilot clinical study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new image-guided, needle-based approach for repairing abdominal or groin hernias in adults who are unable or unwilling to undergo traditional open or laparoscopic surgery. The technique uses ultrasound and, when needed, CT imaging to guide a hollow needle preloaded with barbed suture through the skin to close the hernia defect without large incisions or general anesthesia. Each participant will undergo one image-guided procedure and will be followed for eight months to assess complications and changes in hernia-related quality of life. Approximately thirty participants will be enrolled. The study aims to determine whether this minimally invasive approach is safe, feasible, and capable of improving hernia symptoms enough to justify a larger clinical trial

Combined Effects of Hypopressive Exercises and Abdominal Bracing on Diastasis Recti Outcomes

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, commonly seen after childbirth due to the mechanical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. DRA can negatively affect posture, trunk stability, and breathing patterns, and may result in persistent lumbopelvic pain and weakened core muscles if not properly managed. Although hypopressive exercises and abdominal bracing have individually demonstrated positive effects in reducing inter-recti distance and improving core function, limited research exists regarding their combined effects. This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the combined impact of hypopressive exercises and abdominal bracing on inter-recti distance, lumbopelvic pain, and abdominal muscle strength in postpartum women with DRA. The study will include 34 postpartum women recruited from Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, who will be randomly assigned into two groups. Group A will receive both hypopressive exercises and abdominal bracing, while Group B will receive only hypopressive exercises along with standard postpartum physiotherapy. Outcome measures will include pain intensity, lumbopelvic disability, abdominal muscle strength, and inter-recti distance, with data analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Comparative Effects of Hypopressive and Split Tummy Exercises in Postpartum Diastasis Recti

To compare the effects of hypopressive exercises and split tummy (transverse abdominal activation-based) exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), pelvic floor muscle strength and function, and overall quality of life improvements in postpartum women with diastasis recti. This study will be randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Hameed Latif Hospital Lahore and Civil Hospital Sukkur. The total duration of treatment will be 8 week. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 50 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The subjects will be divided into two groups. Group A will receive hypopressive exercise with baseline treatment abdominal binding. Group B will receive baseline treatment with split tummy exercises.

Creation and Validation of a Questionnaire Evaluating Diastasis Recti

Introduction. Distasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is defined as the presence of divergence between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. Some authors describe a prevalence of 40% in women up to one year postpartum. Some studies suggest that the presence of DRA can be related to the appearance of low back, pelvic and abdominal pain and even urinary incontinence. These factors can significantly affect the quality of life of women with diastasis both socially, sexual and personal level. According to several studies, this pathology is related to higher rates of depression and an alteration in the self-perception of body image that makes these women to look to specialized medical care. At present, the quantitative evaluation of DRA is performed purely anatomically. This evaluation consists in measuring the separation between the two rectus abdominis. Currently there is no consensus as to the protocol that should be used for this measurement. So far, no instrument is able to quantitatively measure the consequences of DRA. The evaluation of symptoms and consequences should include relevant parameters such as quality of life, perception of body image and functional limitations. The objective of this study is the creation and validation of a specific questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms and consequences of DRA. Material and methods. A) Development of the questionnaire 1. Literature review 2. Online survey 3. Expert panel 4. Pilot test of the questionnaire B) Validation of the questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire will be evaluated in a sample of patients with DRA. The sample will be composed of a group of adult women with DRA who attended to a physiotherapy clinic.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Function, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Postpartum Women

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are factors that affect a woman's pelvic floor. Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) often occur in the perinatal period. Symptoms and difficulties related to urinary continence and/or pelvic organ prolapse significantly affect daily activities, including physical activity, but also the quality of life and sexual activity. Patient education that includes both the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, as well as information on the prevention of PFD during pregnancy and postpartum is an important part of the prevention of these dysfunctions. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is another common musculoskeletal issue related to pregnancy and postpartum period. In addition to the cosmetic consequences, it can be associated with abdominal pain, the occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction and a negative correlation with the image of a woman's own body. Material and Methods: Primiparous women after vaginal delivery will be invited to this study. The study will consist of three stages. First phase (baseline measurements) will take place at the hospital and the following assessments will be performed: pelvic floor muscle palpation examination (PERFECT scheme, OXFORD scale, Reissing scale), palpation and ultrasound examination of diastasis recti abdominis. After 12-16 weeks postpartum participants will complete questionnaires about pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti and their impact on quality of life. Third part, 12-16 weeks postpartum, the pelvic floor muscle examination, palpation and ultrasound examination of diastasis recti abdominis will be repeated. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles, prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti abdominis in the primiparous women postpartum. Our secondary objective will be investigation if there are any prognostics factors during the early postpartum period, that can indicate higher risk of PFD and/or DRA 3 months postpartum. Expected results: Results of this study will inform about prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions and diastasis recti in primiparous women in Poland. Additionally, we hope to obtain predictors suggesting pelvic floor or abdominal muscles dysfunction 3 months postpartum. Prevention of pelvic floor disorders may contribute to the early identification of problems and reduce cost of treatment of unrecognized dysfunction. To our knowledge this will be the first study in this area conducted in Poland.

Effect of High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field on Postnatal Diastasis Recti

This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic field on postnatal diastasis recti.

Naprapathy Training for Postpartum DRAM Prevention

A randomised controlled trial with the aim of analysing the effectiveness of a training program intended to prevent symptoms related to DRAM in the postpartum period.

Effects of Visceral Manipulation Combined with Kinesio Taping on Diastasis Recti, Pain Intensity, Stress Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Strength, and Overall Wellness in Postpartum Women

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different therapies for treating Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) in postpartum women. DRA, commonly experienced after childbirth, involves the separation of abdominal muscles, which can lead to discomfort and decreased core stability. The main questions this study seeks to answer are: How effective are Visceral Manipulation (VM), Kinesio Taping (KT), and core strengthening exercises in reducing the gap between abdominal muscles (Inter-Recti Distance or IRD)? Do these treatments improve pain levels, pelvic floor muscle strength, and urinary incontinence? This study will compare the effects of VM, KT, a combination of both, and core strengthening exercises to determine which therapy-or combination of therapies-most effectively treats DRA. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: VM, KT, VM combined with KT, or core strengthening exercises. Undergo their designated treatments for a period of 6 weeks. Visit the clinic for assessments at the start, mid-point, and end of the treatment period. Complete surveys and undergo physical tests to measure changes in IRD, pain levels, pelvic floor strength, and urinary function. This research will provide valuable insights into the most effective treatments for DRA, aiming to enhance the well-being and recovery of postpartum women.

Combined Effects of Visceral Manipulation and Noble Technique on Post-partum Females With Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is characterized by an abnormal expansion of the gap between the medial sides of the rectus abdominis muscle and a lengthening of the linea alba (increased inter-recti distance). It is mainly caused by excessive intra-abdominal pressure. The abdominal muscles and connective structures expand from the growing uterus during pregnancy. Low back pain is a prevalent complaint that can result from various factors, including weakened core muscles and functional disability. The aim of the study would assess of combined effect of visceral manipulation and noble technique on Inter-rectal distance, low back pain and functional disability in post-partum females with diastasis recti.

Diastasis Recti Abdominis and a Combined Treatment With Abdominal Exercise and Radiofrequency

Diastasis recti abdominis is a pathology that appears in a high percentage of women during the postpartum period. However, there is little evidence about its treatment. The present protocol aims to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency as an alternative for the treatment of abdominal diastasis along with abdominal exercises compared to the only intervention through abdominal exercise. An aleatory clinical testing will be conducted where 44 women diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis in the postpartum period will be recruited. A common exercise protocol will be applied for two groups of participants, and both of them will have to be able to carry out the activities autonomously at home. In addition, control sessions will be held weekly for both groups where one of the groups, the control group (n=22), will receive radiofrequency therapy with the machine in athermic mode, while the other group, the experimental group (n=22), will receive a weekly session under the established diathermy protocol. The sessions will last 30 minutes and will take place for 10 consecutive weeks. Three variables will be evaluated: the width of the diastasis measured in centimeters, life quality measured using the Short form (36) questionnaire, and the perception of the pain measured with the visual analogue scale. Three evaluations will be done: at the beginning of the study, after ten weeks and three months later.