NCT07389993: DRA-DIAPH

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

Recruiting now Last updated 13 April 2026

What this trial tests

trial testing Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm in Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) in 42 participants. Currently enrolling.

Timeline

19 May 2025

Primary endpoint
3 April 2026

13 May 2026

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	University of Patras
Status	Recruiting now
Study type	OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment	42
Start date	19 May 2025
Primary completion	3 April 2026
Estimated completion	13 May 2026
Sites	1 location across Greece

Drugs / interventions tested

• Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm
• Inspiratory muscle testing

Conditions studied

• Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) — all drugs for Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) →

Sponsor

University of Patras

Who can join

Adults 18 to 50, female only, with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA). Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

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.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.