New study tests exercise combo to fix Post-Baby tummy gap
NCT ID NCT06286553
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether combining trunk stabilization exercises with breathing muscle training can reduce diastasis recti abdominis (abdominal muscle separation) in postpartum women. 48 women with a gap larger than 2.8 cm will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: trunk exercises alone, breathing training alone, or a control group. The goal is to find a safe, effective exercise program to improve function and reduce the gap.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- trunk stabilization exercises and inspiratory muscle training
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide an effective, non-surgical exercise program to reduce abdominal separation and improve function in postpartum women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 48 participants. The results may not apply to all women, and the exercises may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 48 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
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May 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Females aged 18-50 years * Diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) with an inter-recti distance (IRD) greater than 2.8 cm * Beyond 6 months postpartum (preferably within the range of up to 5 years postpartum) Exclusion Criteria: * Severe chronic respiratory disease (i.e. COPD, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema or fibrosis) * Connective tissue disorders * Neurological disorders * Severe musculoskeletal conditions hindering exercise participation (e.g., severe low back pain, sciatica, etc.) * Previous abdominal surgeries (excluding cesarean section) * Delivery within the last 6 months * BMI greater than 30 kg/m²
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Laboratory of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research (CPRlab), University of Patras
RECRUITINGPátrai, 26504, Greece
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