Postpartum ComplicationNCT07521085
Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises in Postpartum Women
A study testing Stability Oriented Breathing Training and kegels exercises in people with Postpartum Complication and Strength, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postpartum Complication, Strength
- What is being tested?
- Stability Oriented Breathing Training and kegels exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- 31 Aug 2025to Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- • Age between 18-40 years
- Postpartum duration of 42-49 days
- Inter-recti distance (IRD) between 3-5 cm
- Numeric pain scale score ≤ 6 for pain
- No prior physiotherapy or exercise guidance received
Who cannot join
- • Pain during the training period
- Patients with any heart or respiratory disease including excessive coughing and sneezing
- Patients with any kind of pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Significant organ dysfunction or psychiatric illness
- Diagnosis of malignant tumors
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
UOL teaching hospital and sehat medical complex lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Masooma Saleem, 03320711342, masooma.saleem@riphah.edu.pk
Areeba saleem butt, MSPT WH
- Recruiting
UOL teaching hospital and sehat medical complex
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Masooma Saleem, MSWHPT, 03320711342, masooma.saleem@riphah.edu.pk
Areeba saleem butt, MSPT WH
About this study
Official title: Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises On Inter-recti Distance, Lumbopelvic Pain and Strength In Postpartum Women
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for.
The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.
Read the detailed description
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for.
The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.
- Conditions
- Postpartum Complication, Strength
- Being tested
- Stability Oriented Breathing Training, kegels exercises
- Keywords
- Breathing exercises, Core strength, Diastasis recti abdominis, Inter recti distance, Kegel exercises, Lumbopelvic pain, Postpartum women, Stability training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Stability Oriented Breathing TrainingOther
This included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement
kegels exercisesOther
This group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stability oriented Breathing training | Experimental | This group will be given combined Kegel exercises and stability-oriented breathing training group with in postpartum women. This included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement. Receives: Other: Stability Oriented Breathing Training |
| kegels exercises | Active comparator | This group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down Receives: Other: kegels exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric pain rating scale
This is the scale having that measures levels of pain from 0 to 11 it describes the intensity or severity of the pian
Measured: 8 weeks
Manual muscle testing
Pelvic floor muscle strength will be evaluated using a manual assessment technique. During the assessment, the participant will be instructed to lie in a supine position with knees bent and hands resting at their sides. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a widely used, valid, and reliable method for assessing muscle strength through graded resistance applied by the examiner
Measured: 8 weeks
Finger width method
The measurement of diastasis recti abdominis width at the umbilicus using calipers demonstrated good reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.87).
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Apr 2026
- Study start31 Aug 2025
- Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Postpartum ComplicationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Masooma Saleem, MSPT WH, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07521085
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0516
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Vesting S, Olsen MF, Gutke A, Rembeck G, Larsson MEH. Clinical assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles 3 months post partum: an inter-rater reliability study. BMJ Open. 2021 Sep 2;11(9):e049082. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049082.
PubMed 344751662. Yalfani A, Bigdeli N, Gandomi F, Anvari Ali Abad R. [Proprioception and control of the lumbopelvic in women with and without diastasis rectus and their relationship with postpartum pain and disability (Persian)]. Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2020;9(4):257-67.
Kaufmann RL, Reiner CS, Dietz UA, Clavien PA, Vonlanthen R, Kaser SA. Normal width of the linea alba, prevalence, and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis in adults, a cross-sectional study. Hernia. 2022 Apr;26(2):609-618. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02493-7. Epub 2021 Oct 5.
PubMed 34609664Tuominen R, Jahkola T, Saisto T, Arokoski J, Vironen J. The prevalence and consequences of abdominal rectus muscle diastasis among Finnish women: an epidemiological cohort study. Hernia. 2022 Apr;26(2):599-608. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02484-8. Epub 2021 Aug 25.
PubMed 344321755. Yalfani A, Bigdeli N, Gandomi F. [The effect of isometric-isotonic exercises of core stability in women with postpartum diastasis recti and its secondary disorders (randomized controlled clinical trial) (Persian)]. Journal of Health and Care. 2020;22(2):123-37.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Effects Of Stability Oriented Breathing Exercises and Kegel's Exercises On Inter-recti Distance, Lumbopelvic Pain and Strength In Postpartum Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07521085
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0516
- Conditions
- Postpartum Complication, Strength
- Keywords
- Breathing exercises, Core strength, Diastasis recti abdominis, Inter recti distance, Kegel exercises, Lumbopelvic pain, Postpartum women, Stability training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 31 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for.
The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.
Detailed description
The postpartum period often presents challenges such as increased inter-recti distance (diastasis recti), lumbopelvic pain, and reduced core strength. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined effects of stability-oriented breathing exercises and Kegel exercises on inter-recti distance (IRD), lumbopelvic pain, and muscle strength in postpartum women. A total sample size of 66 participants per group was determined with a 10% dropout rate accounted for.
The study will use a non-probability convenience sampling technique. It will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical complex. Inclusion criteria include women aged 18-40 years, with a history of cesarean sections, an IRD between 3-5 cm. Outcome measures include IRD , pelvic floor muscle strength, lumbopelvic pain (measured using a 10 cm numeric pain scale). Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Kegel-only) or Group B (Kegel + breathing exercises). Both groups will train three times weekly for eight weeks. All data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stability oriented Breathing training | Experimental | Other: Stability Oriented Breathing TrainingThis group will be given combined Kegel exercises and stability-oriented breathing training group with in postpartum women. This included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement. |
| kegels exercises | Active comparator | Other: kegels exercisesThis group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Age between 18-40 years
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Pain during the training period
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Stability Oriented Breathing TrainingThis included static breathing exercises (transverse, diaphragmatic, back, and pumping breathing) in the first two weeks, followed by resistance band breathing exercises targeting core and transversus abdominis activation in weeks 3 to 4. In the final four weeks, dynamic breathing exercises such as the pelvic clock and hundreds prep will be introduced to promote core stabilization under movement | Other | Stability oriented Breathing training |
| kegels exercisesThis group will be given kegel exercises in postpartum women. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging, walking, and stretching, followed by Kegel exercises starting with 10 repetitions per movement in the first two weeks and progressing to 15 repetitions in the following two weeks. In the later weeks, load was progressively increased by extending the duration of contractions (from 5 to 8 seconds) and adding dynamic limb movements. A 3-minute rest was provided between each set, and sessions concluded with a 5-minute cool-down | Other | kegels exercises |
Primary outcome
Numeric pain rating scale
Time frame: 8 weeks
This is the scale having that measures levels of pain from 0 to 11 it describes the intensity or severity of the pian
Manual muscle testing
Time frame: 8 weeks
Pelvic floor muscle strength will be evaluated using a manual assessment technique. During the assessment, the participant will be instructed to lie in a supine position with knees bent and hands resting at their sides. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) is a widely used, valid, and reliable method for assessing muscle strength through graded resistance applied by the examiner
Finger width method
Time frame: 8 weeks
The measurement of diastasis recti abdominis width at the umbilicus using calipers demonstrated good reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.76 to 0.87).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 34475166Vesting S, Olsen MF, Gutke A, Rembeck G, Larsson MEH. Clinical assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscles 3 months post partum: an inter-rater reliability study. BMJ Open. 2021 Sep 2;11(9):e049082. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049082.
- Background2. Yalfani A, Bigdeli N, Gandomi F, Anvari Ali Abad R. [Proprioception and control of the lumbopelvic in women with and without diastasis rectus and their relationship with postpartum pain and disability (Persian)]. Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2020;9(4):257-67.
- Background: PubMed 34609664Kaufmann RL, Reiner CS, Dietz UA, Clavien PA, Vonlanthen R, Kaser SA. Normal width of the linea alba, prevalence, and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis in adults, a cross-sectional study. Hernia. 2022 Apr;26(2):609-618. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02493-7. Epub 2021 Oct 5.
- Background: PubMed 34432175Tuominen R, Jahkola T, Saisto T, Arokoski J, Vironen J. The prevalence and consequences of abdominal rectus muscle diastasis among Finnish women: an epidemiological cohort study. Hernia. 2022 Apr;26(2):599-608. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02484-8. Epub 2021 Aug 25.
- Background5. Yalfani A, Bigdeli N, Gandomi F. [The effect of isometric-isotonic exercises of core stability in women with postpartum diastasis recti and its secondary disorders (randomized controlled clinical trial) (Persian)]. Journal of Health and Care. 2020;22(2):123-37.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Masooma Saleem, MSPT WH principal investigator
Riphah International University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Stability Oriented Breathing Training and kegels exercises in people with Postpartum Complication and Strength, run by Riphah International University at 2 sites in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact imran amjad, phd (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric pain rating scale (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07521085, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Apr 2026.