Diaphragm and breathing muscle differences after childbirth in women with and without diastasis recti
Diaphragm Characteristics and Respiratory Muscle Function in Parous Women With and Without Diastasis Recti Abdominis
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Patras Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pátrai, Achaia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07389993 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pátrai, Achaia
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.