Prone plank exercises for postpartum abdominal separation

Prone Plank Exercises Versus Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Postpartum Women

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06259240

This study is testing whether doing prone plank exercises or using electrical stimulation is better for helping new moms with abdominal separation after giving birth.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kafr Ash Shaykh)
Trial IDNCT06259240 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effects of prone plank exercises with electrical stimulation on diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) in postpartum women. A total of 42 women, aged 20-35 and 12 weeks to 36 months postpartum, were randomly assigned to two groups: one performing prone plank exercises and the other receiving electrical stimulation. Both groups participated in three sessions per week for eight weeks to assess improvements in their condition. The goal is to determine which intervention is more effective in treating DRA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postpartum women aged 20-35 with diastasis rectus abdominis measuring greater than two cm, between 12 weeks and 36 months postpartum.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, have had a twin pregnancy, or are more than 36 months postpartum will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective non-invasive treatment option for postpartum women suffering from diastasis rectus abdominis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific comparison of these two interventions, similar studies have shown positive outcomes for exercise-based therapies in managing diastasis rectus abdominis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* they had DRA 12 weeks to 36 months postpartum, and were referred to physiotherapy by a gynaecologist, multiparous with the IRD measuring greater than two cm. Age ranged between 20-35 years. Body mass index didn't exceed 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

* they were in ongoing pregnancy, twin pregnancy, premature birth before gestation week 37, and exceeded more than thirty-six months postpartum.

Where this trial is running

Kafr Ash Shaykh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post Partum Women
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.