An interventional study of Abdominal Exercise Program in Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and Aging, sponsored by Medical University of Gdansk. Recruiting at 1 site in Poland. Open to participants aged 60 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-24.
Sponsored by Medical University of Gdansk · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in the geriatric population and assess the effectiveness of a targeted exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and linea alba stability. Diastasis recti abdominis is a common condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which can affect trunk stability, posture, and pelvic floor function. While heavily researched in postpartum women, data regarding DRA in older adults remains limited. In the first observational phase, 500 participants aged 60 and older will undergo ultrasonographic (USG) measurement of the inter-recti distance (2 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus) and an assessment of linea alba stability during active movements (cervical flexion, leg raise, and trunk extension). Abdominal circumference will also be measured. Risk factors, functional status, physical activity, urinary incontinence, and low back pain will be evaluated using standardized questionnaires (IPAQ, ICIQ-UI SF, Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index) and a custom survey. Participants diagnosed with DRA (IRD 2 cm and/or linea alba instability) will be invited to join the second, interventional phase. They will be randomly allocated to either an experimental exercise group or a control group. The exercise group will perform a structured 8-to-10-week exercise program, while the control group receives no intervention. Follow-up assessments (USG, stability testing, and questionnaires) will be conducted for both groups after the 8-10 week period to compare outcomes.
Medical University of Gdansk is the lead sponsor of 133 studies on the registry; 46 are open to participants now.
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You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Other: Abdominal Exercise Program
An 8-to-10-week exercise program designed for older adults diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. The intervention includes targeted abdominal muscle activation and trunk stabilization exercises aimed at reducing inter-recti distance (IRD) and improving linea alba stability.
Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in the Geriatric Population
Percentage of geriatric participants (aged 60 and older) diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis, defined as an inter-recti distance (IRD) greater than 2.0 cm measured via ultrasound imaging during the Phase 1 screening.
Time frame: Baseline
Mean Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) in the Geriatric Population
Evaluation of the mean inter-recti distance (in centimeters) measured via high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography (USG) at specified anatomical points along the linea alba.
Time frame: Baseline
Change in Inter-Recti Distance (IRD) Following Exercise Intervention
Inter-recti distance measured in centimeters via high-resolution ultrasonography at rest and during abdominal contraction. A decrease in IRD indicates structural improvement of the linea alba.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 to 10 weeks of intervention
Plan to share: Yes — Anonymized individual participant data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.
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