Diaphragm and Breathing Muscle Characteristics in Women With and Without Diastasis Recti Abdominis After Childbirth
Recruiting now
Conditions studied: Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)
In brief
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.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07389993
- Run by
- University of Patras
- People needed
- 42
- Starts
- 2025-05-19
- Expected to finish
- 2026-07-10
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-09
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Female sex
- Aged 18 to 50 years
- Parous women (at least one previous childbirth)
- At least 6 months postpartum at the time of assessment (and within 5 years postpartum)
- Ability to understand and communicate in Greek
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
You may not qualify if…
- Current pregnancy
- Delivery within the previous 6 months
- History of severe chronic respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis)
- Presence of connective tissue disorders
- Presence of neurological disorders
- Severe musculoskeletal conditions that could affect trunk or respiratory function or limit participation in testing procedures (severe low back pain, sciatica etc.)
- Previous abdominal surgery, with the exception of cesarean section
Where it is running
- Laboratory of Clinical Rehabilitation and Research (CPRlab), University of Patras — Pátrai, Achaia, Greece (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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