Diaphragm and breathing muscle differences after childbirth in women with and without diastasis recti
Official title: Diaphragm Characteristics and Respiratory Muscle Function in Parous Women With and Without Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Run by University of Patras · NCT07389993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether diaphragm movement and inspiratory muscle strength differ between women who have given birth with and without diastasis recti.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Patras Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pátrai, Achaia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 3, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07389993 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parous women aged 18–50 who are at least six months and no more than five years postpartum, can communicate in Greek, and do not have major respiratory, neurological, or connective tissue disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Women who are currently pregnant, less than six months postpartum, have severe chronic respiratory disease, connective tissue or neurological disorders, or extensive prior abdominal surgery (other than C-section) are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional observational project compares diaphragm characteristics and accessory inspiratory muscle strength in parous women with and without diastasis recti abdominis. Participants are allocated into two groups based on a standardized imaging assessment of DRA and undergo rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) of the diaphragm during specific breathing maneuvers plus inspiratory muscle testing. Eligible participants are women aged 18–50 who are between six months and five years postpartum and able to communicate in Greek, while key exclusions include recent pregnancy, severe respiratory, neurological, or connective tissue disorders, and prior abdominal surgery except cesarean section. All procedures are non-invasive and performed at the Laboratory of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research (CPRlab) at the University of Patras.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If differences are found, results could guide targeted rehabilitation of the diaphragm and breathing muscles to improve respiratory function and trunk stability after childbirth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored effects of DRA on pelvic floor and trunk function, but diaphragm-focused investigations are limited and the approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female sex * Aged 18 to 50 years * Parous women (at least one previous childbirth) * At least 6 months postpartum at the time of assessment (and within 5 years postpartum) * Ability to understand and communicate in Greek * Willingness to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current pregnancy * Delivery within the previous 6 months * History of severe chronic respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis) * Presence of connective tissue disorders * Presence of neurological disorders * Severe musculoskeletal conditions that could affect trunk or respiratory function or limit participation in testing procedures (severe low back pain, sciatica etc.) * Previous abdominal surgery, with the exception of cesarean section
Where it's running
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Laboratory of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research (CPRlab), University of Patras
Pátrai, Achaia, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evdokia Billis, PhD — University of Patras
- Study coordinator: Anastasia Skoura, PhD
- Email: a.skoura@upatras.gr
- Phone: 00306947784948
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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See if targeted abdominal exercises help DRA in older adults
This study tests whether a specific abdominal exercise program can reduce inter-recti distance and improve linea alba stability in people aged 60 and up with diastasis recti abdominis.
-
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This study is testing different therapies to see which one helps new moms with Diastasis Recti feel better and strengthen their abdominal muscles.
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This study tests a surgeon-developed technique to tighten the middle abdominal muscles during abdominoplasty in adults with diastasis recti.
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Barre-based Core Stability With or Without the Tupler Technique for Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Women
This trial tests whether adding the Tupler Technique to a Barre-based core stability program helps improve core strength, abdominal separation, and pelvic floor function in postpartum women with Diastasis Recti.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.