Effects of Hypopressive vs Split Tummy Exercises on Diastasis Recti After Pregnancy
Official title: Comparative Effects of Hypopressive and Split Tummy Exercises on Lifestyle, Inter Recti Distance, Strength and Function of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Postpartum Diastasis Recti
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07628400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether hypopressive exercises or split tummy exercises help reduce abdominal separation and improve pelvic floor strength and quality of life in postpartum women with diastasis recti.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 24 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sukkur, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07628400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 24-40 years, multiparous, vaginal delivery, with postpartum diastasis recti, suitable for non-surgical exercise therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe medical conditions, untreated high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, prior abdominal surgery, or inability to perform the prescribed exercises may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will compare two exercise approaches for postpartum diastasis recti. Participants will be 50 women aged 24-40 with vaginal delivery and a history of diastasis recti, recruited from two hospitals in Pakistan. They will be assigned to either hypopressive exercises with abdominal binding or baseline treatment with split tummy exercises for eight weeks, with outcomes including inter-recti distance, pelvic floor strength, and quality of life measured by relevant tools. Digital vernier calipers will assess inter-recti distance, and scoring systems will evaluate pelvic floor function and disability. The study uses convenience sampling and is led by Riphah International University at Civil Hospital Sukkur.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience reduced abdominal separation and improved core and pelvic floor function, contributing to better daily functioning and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted pelvic floor and abdominal exercises can help manage diastasis recti, though direct comparisons between hypopressive and split tummy approaches are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 24 to 40years * Weight: 50 to 70kg * Height: 4.5 to 6ft * BMI: Both underweight and overweight/ obese individuals can experience DRA. * Parity: Multiparous * Mode of delivery: vaginal delivery in split tummy. * Subjects who gave vaginal birth with or without episiotomy in multiparous women in hypopressive. Exclusion Criteria: * Undergoing a severe illness * Uncompleted inter-rectus distance (IRD) records * Have a history of pelvic floor dysfunction * Primiparous, polyhydramnios, uterine fibroids during pregnancy, previous abdominal, surgery caesarean delivery * Subjects with untreated high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, hernia, pregnant and underwent any recent surgeries.
Where it's running
-
Civil Hospital Sukkur
Sukkur, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hafiza Iqra Rubab, MSWHPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Combined Hypopressive Exercises and Abdominal Bracing for Diastasis Recti after Pregnancy
This study tests whether adding abdominal bracing to hypopressive exercises helps reduce Diastasis Recti and improve core function in postpartum women.
-
Pilates versus progressive prone plank exercises for diastasis recti
This compares Pilates and progressive prone plank exercises to see which better reduces pain, increases abdominal strength, and narrows the abdominal gap in multiparous postpartum women with diastasis recti.
-
Corrective deep‑core exercises versus plank exercises for diastasis recti
This trial will test whether corrective deep‑core exercises or plank exercises better reduce abdominal separation and pain in postpartum women with diastasis recti.
-
Treating Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Women with Different Therapies
This study is testing different therapies to see which one helps new moms with Diastasis Recti feel better and strengthen their abdominal muscles.
-
Training program to prevent Diastasis Recti after pregnancy
This study tests a special training program to see if it can help new moms prevent problems related to diastasis recti, which is a separation of abdominal muscles after pregnancy.
-
Tool to measure how DRA affects symptoms and quality of life in women with diastasis recti
A questionnaire will be created and tested in adult women with diastasis recti to see how it relates to symptoms, pain, and daily living.
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.