Training program to prevent Diastasis Recti after pregnancy

Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Benefit of Naprapathy Training for Preventing Problems from Rectus Abdominis Diastasis

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT04652830

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT04652830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific naprapathy training program designed to prevent symptoms related to diastasis recti in postpartum women. The study will involve women who are 3-12 months postpartum and have a diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles greater than 3 cm. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the training program or a control group, and the study will assess changes in abdominal function and anatomy over a three-month follow-up period. The research seeks to fill the gap in understanding how diastasis recti affects trunk stability and back pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women who are 3-12 months postpartum with a diastasis recti greater than 3 cm.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant or have a history of significant neurological, musculoskeletal, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve abdominal strength and reduce back pain in postpartum women with diastasis recti.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on the effectiveness of training programs for preventing diastasis recti, this approach is novel and aims to address a significant gap in existing literature.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Uni- and multiparous women 3-12 months postpartum
* Ability to understand Swedish language
* Ability participate in a three months follow-up program
* Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles \> 3 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ongoing pregnancy
* Age \<18 years or \>50 years
* \< 3 months or \>12 months post partum
* History of neurologic, musculoskeletal or psychiatric disorders
* Interrectal diastasis \< 3 cm

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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 Diastasis RectiNaprapathy
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.