Effect of a specific exercise programme during pregnancy on diastasis recti abdominis: study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Background:

• Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is prevalent in pregnant and postpartum women.
• Evidence for effective DRA treatment during pregnancy is limited.
• High-quality studies focusing on pregnant populations are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a randomized trial on the effects of a specific exercise program during pregnancy on diastasis recti abdominis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a targeted exercise intervention for pregnant women with DRA.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory, assessor-blinded, randomized parallel group trial.
• 100 pregnant women (≥28 mm DRA) at 24 weeks gestation included.
• 12-week specific exercise program vs. no intervention; data collected pre-intervention, at 37 weeks gestation, and 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: change in inter-recti distance measured by 2D ultrasonography.
• Data analyzed using intention-to-treat principle.
• Exploratory trial with pre-results status.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide valuable data on the effectiveness of exercise for pregnant women with DRA.
• Findings will contribute to evidence-based guidelines for managing DRA in this population.
• Results will be disseminated through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals.