Comparative Effects of Telerehabilitation Versus In-Person Core Stability Training in Postpartum Women

NCT07751952 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: Rida Ijaz
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is common among postpartum women and can negatively affect abdominal muscle function and body image. Core stability exercises are widely recommended for postpartum rehabilitation; however, access to supervised physiotherapy may be limited. Tele rehabilitation may improve accessibility while maintaining treatment effectiveness. This randomized controlled trial compares tele rehabilitation-based and in-person supervised core stability exercise programs in postpartum women with diastasis recti. The primary objective is to compare changes in inter-recti distance, while the secondary objective is to compare changes in body image after an 8-week intervention

Conditions

Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA); Postpartum

Keywords

Inter-Recti Distance; Telerehabilitation; Body Image

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Digital Nylon Caliper

  Digital nylon calipers are recognized as both reliable and valid for measuring inter-recti distance (IRD), Measurements of inter recti distance will be taken at the umbilicus and at standardized points 4.5 cm above and 4.5cm below umbilicus.

  Baseline (pre-Intervention) Post-Intervention (after 8 weeks)

• Body Image Scale (BISS)

  The Body Image State Scale (15) is a validated, self-reported tool for assessing body image, satisfaction, and emotional responses. BISS scoring uses the mean of the six items (each scored 1-9) with certain items reverse-scored (items 2, 4, and 6), and higher totals signal higher body satisfaction. The scale is tested for reliability and validity in various populations, including postpartum women, with Cronbach's alpha generally reported around 0.82-0.83 for internal consistency.

  Baseline Post-Intervention (after 8 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

Telerehabilitation Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants allocated to this arm will receive a hybrid telerehabilitation-based core stability exercise program over 8 weeks. Baseline assessment will be conducted in a clinical setting prior to intervention. The program consists of three sessions per week (45-60 minutes each) on non-consecutive days, including warm-up, structured core stability exercises, and cool-down.

Other: Telerehabilitation

In-Person Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants allocated to the in-person comparator arm will receive a supervised, clinic-based core stability exercise program for 8 weeks. Baseline assessment will be conducted prior to initiation in a clinical setting.

Other: In-Person

Interventions

Telerehabilitation OTHER

Participants were assessed at baseline by a physiotherapist and attended supervised in-clinic follow-up sessions every two weeks to monitor progress and ensure correct exercise performance. Individualized exercise demonstrations were recorded on participants' mobile devices to facilitate home-based practice. The intervention consisted of an 8-week progressive postpartum exercise program beginning at 6 weeks postpartum, including pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises, abdominal bracing, trtransversus abdominis (TrA) activation, and pelvic tilts. Exercise dosage (sets, repetitions, hold time, and fast contractions) was progressively increased each week according to the study protocol to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, core stability, and lumbopelvic control.

Telerehabilitation Group

In-Person OTHER

Participants were assessed at baseline by a physiotherapist and participated in supervised in-person group exercise sessions for 8 weeks, beginning at 6 weeks postpartum. The intervention followed the same progressive exercise protocol as the telerehabilitation group and included pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises, abdominal bracing, transversus abdominis (TrA) activation, and pelvic tilts, with weekly progression in sets, repetitions, hold duration, and fast contractions. The physiotherapist provided real-time supervision, exercise correction, and progression throughout the intervention.

In-Person Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• weeks to 6 months postpartum
• Multiparous or primiparous
• Diagnosis of diastasis recti (IRD ≥ 2cm)/
• Able to use or operate digital/electronic devices
• With internet access and the ability to participate in remote group sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• Significant musculoskeletal or systemic comorbidities i.e. diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, Severe psychiatric disorders, Active malignancy.
• Prior major abdominal or pelvic surgery (except cesarean)
• Any Contraindications to exercise.
• Recent/Current pregnancy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Lifezone medical and diagnostic center lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 0423, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Telerehabilitation

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Health Services; Health Care Facilities Workforce and Services; Telemedicine; Delivery of Health Care; Patient Care Management; Health Services Administration

Study Officials

• Rida Ijaz, MSPT(WH)

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Dr.Rida Zafar, MSPT(WH)

CONTACT

0336-8753273; rida.zafar@riphah.edu.pk

Dr Summra Andleeb, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

0345-0617872; rida.zafar@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 4, 2026
• First Posted: August 7, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)