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Diaphragm and Breathing Muscle Characteristics in Women With and Without Diastasis Recti Abdominis After Childbirth

NCT07389993 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 42

Last updated 2026-06-09

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) is a common condition experienced postpartum, in which the abdominal muscles separate along the midline of the abdomen due to stretching and thinning of the linea alba. It's a common condition, affecting 66-100% of women post-birth and may be associated with changes in abdominal support, posture, breathing, and trunk function. Although DRA primarily affects the muscles of the abdominal wall, it is speculated that other muscles controlling and stabilizing the trunk, such as the pelvic floor muscles or the diaphragm, might be affected as well. Currently, several studies have investigated the possible negative effects of DRA on pelvic floor function. However, little is known about how it may be related to diaphragm function and accessory breathing muscles.

The purpose of this observational study is to compare diaphragm characteristics and function, and accessory breathing muscle strength in women who have given birth, with and without DRA.

To make this possible, adult parous women from the broader Achaia region are assessed and allocated into two predefined groups based on the presence or absence of DRA. Participants undergo a single assessment session including rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) of the diaphragm and standardized tests of inspiratory muscle strength. Additional demographic and clinical information related to pregnancy and physical activity is also recorded. The main hypothesis of this study is that women with DRA demonstrate altered diaphragm function, as well as reduced inspiratory muscle strength, compared to women without DRA. The study aims to improve understanding of the possible relationship between DRA and breathing function after childbirth and to support future research and rehabilitation approaches for women with the condition.

Conditions

  • Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm

Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) to assess diaphragm thickness and excursion under specific respiratory maneuvers.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Inspiratory muscle testing

A standardized inspiratory muscle strength testing procedure using a POWERbreathe KH2 device to assess maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), S-Index and peak inspiratory flow (PIF).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Patras

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Evdokia Billis, PhD · University of Patras

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-05-19
Primary Completion
2026-04-03
Completion
2026-07-10

Countries

  • Greece

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07389993 on ClinicalTrials.gov