Pilates or planks? new study tests best exercise for postpartum belly gap
NCT ID NCT07576218
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two exercise programs—Pilates and progressive prone planks—to see which works better for women with diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate after pregnancy. About 34 women who gave birth 6 to 12 months ago will participate. Researchers will measure pain, muscle strength, and the size of the abdominal gap to find the most effective approach.
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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 34 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 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 45 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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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: * Multiparous women * Postpartum women (within 6 to 12 months postpartum) * BMI \<30 * IRD ≥2 cm diagnosed with Diastasis Recti (verified by ultrasound or clinical assessment) * Participants who have undergone either vaginal delivery or cesarean section (C-section). Exclusion Criteria: * Significant pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic organ prolapse or other related conditions * Patient with unmanaged chronic conditions, like heart disease or hypertension * Recent abdominal or related surgeries within the past six months * Women who are currently pregnant or experiencing postpartum complications. * Patient with presence of hernia.
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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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Sehat Medical Complex
RECRUITINGLahore, Punjab Province, 6400, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- New study aims to spot pelvic floor problems early after childbirth
- New exercise combo could ease postpartum belly pain
- Simple breathing trick may boost postpartum recovery