Pilates versus progressive prone plank exercises for diastasis recti
Comparative Effects of Pilates and Progressive Prone Plank Exercises on Pain, Strength and Inter-Rectus Distance in 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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will enroll 34 multiparous postpartum women with diastasis recti (IRD ≥2 cm) and BMI <30 recruited from Lahore. Participants are randomized to supervised Pilates training or progressive prone plank exercises, with 45-minute sessions three times per week for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment measures include pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), abdominal strength (manual muscle testing), and inter-rectus distance (finger-width method with Vernier caliper), and data will be analyzed using SPSS. Major exclusions include current pregnancy, significant pelvic floor dysfunction, unmanaged chronic illness, recent abdominal surgery, or presence of a hernia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Multiparous postpartum women (6–12 months after delivery) with BMI under 30 and clinically confirmed diastasis recti (IRD ≥2 cm) who can safely perform exercise are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who are currently pregnant, have significant pelvic floor disorders, unmanaged chronic illnesses, recent abdominal surgery, or a hernia are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better exercise program could reduce pain and abdominal separation and improve core strength for postpartum women without surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small physiotherapy and Pilates-based studies have reported improvements in diastasis recti and core function, but results are mixed and high-quality randomized data remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Multiparous women * Postpartum women (within 6 to 12 months postpartum) * BMI \<30 * IRD ≥2 cm diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (verified by ultrasound or clinical assessment) * Participants who have undergone either vaginal delivery or cesarean section (C-section). Exclusion Criteria: * Significant pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse or other related conditions * Patient with unmanaged chronic conditions, like heart disease or hypertension * Recent abdominal or related surgeries within the past six months * Women who are currently pregnant or experiencing postpartum complications. * Patient with presence of hernia.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Sehat Medical Complex — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: sobia ghafoor, MSPT-OM — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran amjad
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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.