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NCT Number: NCT07440836

Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Diastasis Recti

This study will be randomized clinical trial and will be conducted in Services Hospital and poly clinics. The total duration of treatment will be 12 weeks. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used and 56 participants will be recruited in study after randomization. The participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A performs corrective exercises focused on deep core engagement, while Group B performs plank exercises aimed at overall abdominal activation. Each group follows their respective regimen three times per week for 12 weeks. Baseline EMS and pelvic floor exercises are conducted for all participants to ensure core stability before the interventions begin. Outcome measures, including manual muscle testing (MMT) for strength, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, are recorded both before and after the 12-week intervention. After data collection data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25.

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Key information

Conditions

Diastasis Recti Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Services Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 6400, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Fazeela Tahir, MSPT(WH)

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

adeela arif, t-DPT

CONTACT

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • If IRD is greater than 4cm and above
  • Postpartum females
  • Three months to three years postpartum with presence of diastasis rectus abdominis
  • Vaginal delivery
  • Multiparous
  • Pain greater than 6 on NPRS

Exclusion criteria

  • Subjects with any heart condition, respiratory condition
  • Any pelvic or abdominal surgery
  • Any neurological disease eg preeclampsia, epilepsy
  • Trauma to bowel or bladder
  • Prior history of physical therapy treatment for pelvic floor issues
  • Postpartum depression

Treatment and study plan

Corrective exercises

Other

restoration of trunk stability, and reduction of IRD through improved tensioning of the linea alba. During weeks 1-4, the program emphasized low-load activation, including transversus abdominis (TrA) drawing-in activation, posterior pelvic tilting, and modified heel slides performed with strict abdominal control. In weeks 5-8, progression was achieved through increased hold times, higher repetitions, slower tempo, and the gradual introduction of light resistance or functional integration cues where tolerated. In weeks 9-12, participants progressed toward functional core integration and advanced control exercises such as dead bug variations,

Plank Exercise

Other

In weeks 1-4, the program began with modified plank positions using knee-and-elbow support and modified side planks, with short hold durations and adequate rest intervals. During weeks 5-8, hold times were progressively increased, and participants were introduced to controlled plank variations such as weight-shifts or arm reach tasks depending on tolerance and maintenance of neutral spine control. In weeks 9-12, progression was aimed toward longer holds and more advanced stabilization tasks, including leg lifts in plank and progression toward full plank positions

Primary outcomes

  1. NPRS

    Time frame: 12th week

    The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure in which individuals rate their pain on an eleven-point numerical scale. The scale is composed of 0 (no pain at all) to 10 (worst imaginable pain. The NPRS is a widely used patient reported outcome scale.27-29 The ordinal 11-point NPRS (0-no pain, 10-most intense pain) is the most commonly used version which has good test-retest reliability (r=.79-.96) in individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal pathology.

  2. • MMT

    Time frame: 12th week

    MMT is the most commonly used method for documenting impairments in muscle strength. Manual muscle testing is used in rehabilitation and recovery to evaluate contractile units, including muscles and tendons, and their ability to generate forces. Reliability of strength MMT grade of lower extremity is 66-0.90. There are six grades of MMT i.e. Grade 5 (Normal), Grade 4 (Good), Grade 3+ (Fair), Grade 2+ (Poor), Grade 1 (Trace) and Grade 0 (Zero)

  3. inter-recti distance

    Time frame: 12th week

    The subjects were in supine resting position with the knees bent at 90° and feet resting on the plinth, arms alongside the body. After instruction in how to perform an abdominal crunch the subjects were asked to raise the head and shoulders upwards until the shoulder blades cleared the table. One physiotherapist placed the fingers vertically on the subject's Linea Alba in a way that fingers widths could fit the distance between the internal borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles. Using the center of the umbilicus as a reference, measurements were taken in two previously marked locations: one being 2 cm above the umbilicus and the other being 2 cm below the umbilicus.

  4. Oswestry Disability Index

    Time frame: 12th week

    The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is defined as a validated metric that assesses a patient's perceived level of disability through a 10-question assessment, yielding a numerical score from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater disability

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

imran amjad, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Corrective Versus Plank Exercises on Strength, Inter Recti Distance and Pain in Females With Diastasis Recti

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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