Impact of Diastasis Recti Abdominis on Spinal Curvature in Postpartum Women (DRA-SC)

March 4, 2026 updated by: Mawada Mohamed Ali Altemamy, Cairo University
This study investigates the relationship between diastasis recti abdominis and spinal curvature in postpartum women using non-invasive assessment methods.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

Postpartum musculoskeletal changes are common and may significantly affect spinal alignment and overall physical function. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, is frequently reported among postpartum women and may contribute to alterations in trunk stability and posture. Despite its high prevalence, the potential association between DRA and spinal curvature has not been sufficiently clarified. Understanding this relationship is important, as changes in spinal alignment-such as increased lumbar lordosis or thoracic kyphosis-may influence pain, functional ability, and long-term musculoskeletal health. Therefore, further investigation is needed to better define the connection between DRA and spinal curvature in order to support early assessment and improve postpartum rehabilitation strategies.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

110

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

N/A

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will include postpartum women who meet the eligibility criteria. Participants will be divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of diastasis recti abdominis and will undergo non-invasive assessment of spinal curvature for comparative analysis.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age range: 21 to 35 years
  • BMI between 18 and 29.9 kg/m².
  • Normal vaginal delivery or cesarean section.
  • Postpartum period between 6 weeks and 6 months
  • Participants with or without diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) as determined by ultrasound.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • • History of spinal deformities (e.g., scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis).

    • Any neuromuscular or neurological disorders.
    • Previous abdominal or spinal surgery.
    • Multiple pregnancies.
    • Participants currently undergoing physical therapy treatment for spinal or abdominal conditions.
    • Inability to comply with instructions or complete the assessment protocol

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Women with Diastasis Recti
Postpartum women diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. Participants will undergo non-invasive assessment of spinal curvature for comparison purposes. No intervention will be administered.
Women without Diastasis Recti
Postpartum women without diastasis recti abdominis. Participants will undergo non-invasive assessment of spinal curvature for comparison purposes. No intervention will be administered.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Lumbar Lordosis Angle
Time Frame: At baseline (single assessment).
Lumbar lordosis angle measured in degrees in postpartum women with and without diastasis recti abdominis using a non-invasive assessment method.
At baseline (single assessment).

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Cairo University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

March 2, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

April 20, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

April 27, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 4, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 4, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 9, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 9, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 4, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 012\006165

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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