Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Manual Therapy for Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Sponsor: Studio Vita
Summary
This randomized, single-blind trial compared the effects of a standardized manual therapy closure protocol, delivered alone or combined with therapeutic exercise, with therapeutic exercise alone on inter-rectus distance (IRD) in women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA). Sixty-four participants were allocated to one of three groups: a single session of the manual protocol alone; the same protocol followed immediately by therapeutic exercise; or a group performing therapeutic exercise three times per week for three months without the manual protocol. IRD was measured by ultrasound at three abdominal levels, under passive and active conditions, at diagnostic assessment (baseline), immediately after the intervention (manual therapy groups only), and after three months. Secondary outcomes included trunk mobility, respiratory chest excursion, and waist circumference.
Official title: Immediate Effects of a Standardized Manual Therapy Closure Protocol on Inter-Rectus Distance in Women With Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
64
Start Date
2026-02-13
Completion Date
2026-02-15
Last Updated
2026-10-06
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Standardized Manual Therapy Closure Protocol
A single, individualized manual therapy session targeting the thoracolumbar region and the lateral and anterior abdominal wall, delivered per a predefined, standardized technique sequence. All sessions in the study were delivered by the same single physiotherapist. Intensity and duration were adjusted to individual tissue tolerance without altering the core treatment concept. Participants with prior cesarean delivery received an additional standardized component addressing abdominal wall scar tissue.
Therapeutic Exercise for Deep Abdominal Activation
A structured session of therapeutic exercise targeting activation of the deep abdominal muscles. Unlike the manual therapy protocol, which was delivered by a single physiotherapist, the exercise sessions were led by multiple physiotherapists and other trained staff.
Locations (1)
APEIRON Research Institute
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina