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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05731479

Radiofrequency Diathermy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Women With Abdominal Diastasis

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is defined as the presence of divergence between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. DRA is associated with decreased abdominal strength and degraded health and physical functioning, which results in poorer body perception and satisfaction and negatively affects the quality of life in its multiple spheres (social, sexual and personal). Regarding the different treatment techniques for DRA, different treatments have been described, such as bandages, electrotherapy or therapeutic exercise, the latter being the most scientifically supported option to approach DRA conservatively. Exercise has shown positive effects on DRA severity, abdominal muscle thickness, abdominal strength and endurance, and quality of life in women with DRA.

Another treatment that has shown promising effects in various pathologies is radiofrequency diathermy using the Capacitive-Resistive Electrical Transfer system. The capacitive mode acts on soft tissues containing electrolytes such as muscles and vascular and lymphatic tissues. On the other hand, the resistive mode acts on tissues of higher density and fat and fiber content, such as bones, ligaments and tendons. It has been documented that this type of therapy acts favoring the vascularization of tissues, decreasing inflammation and favoring the processes of cellular repair and analgesia. Its beneficial effect on low back pain and various pelvic floor disorders has been studied. However, at present, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of this type of intervention in people with abdominal diastasis.

In view of the above, the objective of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol based on therapeutic exercise preceded by a radiofrequency diathermy program on anthropometric parameters, anatomo-physiological parameters, functional parameters, and parameters related to psychological aspects in women with postpartum abdominal diastasis.

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Key information

Conditions

Abdominal Diastasis

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Physiotherapy. University of Valencia

Valencia, 46002, Spain

About this study

A longitudinal randomized controlled experimental study will be carried out. The sample will be composed of 34 postpartum women, randomly distributed in two groups: i) diathermy + exercise group (GDE) (n=17), and ii) placebo diathermy + exercise group (GPE) (n=17).

The evaluations will be performed at two time points: i) before the intervention (T1), and ii) after the last session (T2).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Women aged 18 to 45 years,
  • 3 to 24 months postpartum
  • Criteria of abdominal diastasis according to Beer's criteria (Beer et al.2009)

Exclusion criteria

  • Rejection to sign the informed consent form
  • Presence of any metabolic, neurological or connective tissue disease, as well as cognitive alterations.

Treatment and study plan

Diathermy + exercise group

Other

The Diathermy + Exercise group will receive diathermy for 15 minutes, of which 5 minutes will be applied in the capacitive method and 10 minutes in the resistive method. You will then perform 20 minutes of the following exercises: 1) Bird-Dog, 2) Crunch, 3) Obliques, 4) Drawing, 5) Half plank and 6) Side-plank. You will perform 8-12 repetitions and 3 sets of each exercise. 3 sessions of 35 minutes per week for 8 weeks.

Diathermy placebo + exercise group

Other

The Placebo + Exercise group will receive 15 minutes of application of the diathermy device without energy emission. It will then perform the same therapeutic exercise protocol described in the GDE. 3 sessions of 35 minutes per week for 8 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Rectus abdominis distance

    Time frame: Baseline

    The distance between rectus abdominis in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  2. Rectus abdominis distance

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    The distance between rectus abdominis in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  3. Rectus abdominis thickness

    Time frame: Baseline

    The rectus abdominis thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  4. Rectus abdominis thickness

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    The rectus abdominis thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Body composition

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body composition by means of Bioimpedance (Tanita DC-430MA, Tanita Corporation of America, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, USA).

  2. Body composition

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Body composition by means of Bioimpedance (Tanita DC-430MA, Tanita Corporation of America, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, USA).

  3. Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature

    Time frame: Baseline

    Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature by means of a dynamometer (Lafayette, Indiana, USA)

  4. Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Strength of the abdominal flexor musculature by means of a dynamometer (Lafayette, Indiana, USA)

  5. Kinesiophobia

    Time frame: Baseline

    Kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 questionnaire: It maintains items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 17 from the original 17-point scale, and its score ranges from 11-44, where the lowest 11 means no or negligible kinesiophobia, and the higher scores indicate an increasing degree of kinesiophobia

  6. Kinesiophobia

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 questionnaire: It maintains items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 17 from the original 17-point scale, and its score ranges from 11-44, where the lowest 11 means no or negligible kinesiophobia, and the higher scores indicate an increasing degree of kinesiophobia

  7. Body image

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body image using the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire: It consists of 69 items each rated on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5 (strongly disagree-strongly agree). The higher the score, the greater the satisfaction with one's own body image, so the total score of the instrument requires reversing the score of the items that indicate dissatisfaction

  8. Body image

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Body image using the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire: It consists of 69 items each rated on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5 (strongly disagree-strongly agree). The higher the score, the greater the satisfaction with one's own body image, so the total score of the instrument requires reversing the score of the items that indicate dissatisfaction

  9. Perception of change after the intervention

    Time frame: Baseline

    Perception of change after the intervention with the Patient Perception of Change after Treatment questionnaire. consisting of a verbal scale, with 7 points "very much improved", "much improved", "minimally improved", "no change", "minimally worse", "much worse", "very much worse".

  10. Perception of change after the intervention

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Perception of change after the intervention with the Patient Perception of Change after Treatment questionnaire. consisting of a verbal scale, with 7 points "very much improved", "much improved", "minimally improved", "no change", "minimally worse", "much worse", "very much worse".

  11. Linea alba thickness

    Time frame: Baseline

    Linea alba thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  12. Linea alba thickness

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Linea alba thickness in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  13. Linea alba distortion index

    Time frame: Baseline

    Linea alba distortion index in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  14. Linea alba distortion index

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Linea alba distortion index in millimetres (mm) will be assessed with an ultrasound machine, using a high-resolution linear array transducer.

  15. Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule

    Time frame: Baseline

    Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule, with a battery of validated maneuvers: gluteal bridge, gluteal bridge with unipodal support, lateral planks and horizontal plank.

    The measurement unit is the second (s) for all maneuvers, and the time for each manoeuvre shall be averaged.

  16. Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Stabilization capacity and resistance of the abdomino-lumbo-pelvic capsule, with a battery of validated maneuvers: gluteal bridge, gluteal bridge with unipodal support, lateral planks and horizontal plank.

    The measurement unit is the second (s) for all maneuvers, and the time for each manoeuvre shall be averaged.

  17. Abdominal circumference

    Time frame: Baseline

    Abdominal circumference will be assessed by means of tape measure in centimetres (cm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.

  18. Abdominal circumference

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Abdominal circumference will be assessed by means of tape measure in centimetres (cm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.

  19. Abdominal fold

    Time frame: Baseline

    Abdominal fold will be assessed by means of a plicometer in milimetres (mm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.

  20. Abdominal fold

    Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

    Abdominal fold will be assessed by means of a plicometer in milimetres (mm). Two measurements shall be taken and averaged.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Valencia

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of a Radiofrequency Diathermy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocol in Women With Abdominal Diastasis. Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 16, 2023
Registry last updated
Jun 25, 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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