Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle TrainingAPPT-SNCT07575490
Impact of Post-Cesarean Abdomino-Pelvic Training on Diastasis Recti and Sexual Function
A study testing Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program and Standard Postpartum Follow-up in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, run by Harran University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific exercise program on physical recovery and sexual health in women who have had a cesarean section. Pregnancy and abdominal surgery can lead to a separation of the abdominal muscles, known as Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), and may affect pelvic health and sexual… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
- What is being tested?
- Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program and Standard Postpartum Follow-up
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- May 2026to Dec 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 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Women who have undergone an elective cesarean section.
- Participants who are at their 6th week postpartum at the start of the study.
- Aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Volunteering to participate and capable of signing the informed consent form.
- -
Who cannot join
- Multiparous women (those with more than one delivery).
- Women with a history of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (other than the current C-section).
- Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or connective tissue disorders).
- Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition that prevents participation in an exercise program.
- History of pelvic organ prolapse or severe urinary incontinence prior to pregnancy.
- Active pelvic or abdominal infection.
- Participants who have already started a structured postpartum exercise program elsewhere.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
ismail palalı, PhD, Asst. Prof. contact
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Harran University Research and Application Hospital
Sanliurfa, HALİLİYE, 63300
MEHMET İNCEBIYIK, Assistant Professor, MD, 05353374889, drmehmetincebiyik@gmail.com
İsmail Palalı, PT, PhD, ismail.palali01@gmail.com
Harran University Research and Application Hospital
Şanliurfa, HALİLİYE, 63300
MEHMET İNCEBIYIK, 05353374889, drmehmetincebiyik@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: The Impact of Structured Postoperative Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training on Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Pelvic Hemodynamics, and Sexual Function Following Cesarean Section: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Doppler Morphometric Analysis Study
This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific exercise program on physical recovery and sexual health in women who have had a cesarean section. Pregnancy and abdominal surgery can lead to a separation of the abdominal muscles, known as Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), and may affect pelvic health and sexual function. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program starting at the 6th week after surgery. This program includes specific exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles. The control group will follow the standard routine postpartum care. The researchers will use ultrasound and Doppler imaging to measure the distance between the abdominal muscles and the blood flow in the pelvic area at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of training. Participants will also complete a validated questionnaire (FSFI) to evaluate their sexual function. The goal of the research is to determine if this structured exercise program helps close the abdominal gap more effectively and improves pelvic blood flow and sexual well-being compared to standard care.
Read the detailed description
Background and Rationale:
Cesarean section (C-section) is a major surgical procedure that alters the integrity of the abdominal wall. Even if it avoids direct pelvic floor trauma associated with vaginal delivery, the combination of pregnancy-related mechanical stress and surgical incision often leads to Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and pelvic floor dysfunction. These conditions are frequently associated with reduced sexual function and lower quality of life in the postpartum period. While pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is well-studied, there is a lack of objective evidence regarding the impact of structured "Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" on tissue-level recovery and vascular perfusion. Study Objectives:
The primary objective of this prospective, randomized controlled study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week structured rehabilitation program on inter-recti distance (IRD), pelvic hemodynamics, and sexual function in primiparous women following elective C-section. Methodology and Intervention:
A total of 160 participants will be recruited at their 6th-week postpartum visit at Harran University Hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized into two groups: Intervention Group: Participants will receive a 6-week structured abdomino-pelvic power-training protocol (including PFMT and core stabilization exercises). The program consists of weekly clinical visits and a prescribed home exercise regimen. Control Group: Participants will receive standard routine postpartum follow-up care without specific exercise training. Outcome Measures and Evaluation:
Assessments will be performed at baseline (6th week postpartum) and at the end of the intervention (3rd month postpartum). Morphometric Analysis: Inter-recti distance (IRD) will be measured using linear probe ultrasonography. Hemodynamic Assessment: Pelvic blood flow will be evaluated via Doppler ultrasonography, measuring Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI) of the Uterine Artery and Vaginal Artery, as well as perfusion of the surgical scar tissue. Functional Assessment: Sexual function will be measured using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Statistical Analysis:
Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Continuous variables will be compared using Independent Samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test between groups, and Paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for within-group changes over time. Correlation between objective Doppler parameters and subjective FSFI scores will be evaluated.
- Being tested
- Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program, Standard Postpartum Follow-up
- Keywords
- Vaginal Doppler, Pelvic Hemodynamics, Abdomino-pelvic Training, FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), Post-cesarean Recovery, Core Stabilization, Uterine Artery Doppler
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training ProgramOther
A 6-week structured exercise program including one weekly supervised clinical session and daily home exercises. It focuses on core stabilization (rectus abdominis, obliques, transversus abdominis) to reduce inter-recti distance and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) to improve strength and hemodynamics.
Standard Postpartum Follow-upOther
Participants will follow the routine clinical postpartum follow-up protocol. This includes standard medical advice and assessments at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum, without participation in the structured exercise program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention Group: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training | Experimental | Participants in this arm will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program, starting at the 6th week postpartum. The intervention consists of:
Clinical Sessions: Once-a-week supervised training sessions conducted at the hospital to ensure correct technique.
Home Exercise Program: Prescribed daily exercises to be performed by the participant at home for the remaining 6 days of the week.
Core Stabilization: Specific exercises targeting the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis muscles to reduce inter-recti distance (IRD).
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Structured contractions aimed at improving pelvic floor strength and hemodynamics.
Monitoring: Progress will be monitored during weekly clinical visits, and the intensity will be adjusted based on participant tolerance. Receives: Other: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program |
| Control Group: Standard Postpartum Care | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will follow the standard routine postpartum care and follow-up protocol provided by the clinic. They will not participate in the structured abdomino-pelvic or pelvic floor exercise program during the 6-week study period. All clinical assessments, including ultrasound measurements for inter-recti distance, pelvic Doppler imaging, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires, will be performed at the same time intervals as the intervention group (at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum) to provide a comparative baseline for the study. Receives: Other: Standard Postpartum Follow-up |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD)
The distance between the medial borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles, measured in centimeters (cm) using linear probe ultrasonography to evaluate the severity of Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA).
Measured: From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study startMay 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionNov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Model description
- Model Description This is a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Randomization: Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either the Intervention Group or the Control Group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random sequence to ensure unbiased distribution. Intervention Arm: Participants in this group will undergo a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" protocol. This includes core stabilization and pelvic floor muscle exercises, initiated at the 6th week postpartum. Control Arm: Participants in this group will receive standard postpartum care and follow-up without any structured exercise intervention. Follow-up: Both groups will be evaluated at baseline (6th week postpartum) and immediately following the 6-week study period (3rd month postpartum) to compare clinical, morphometric, and hemodynamic outcomes.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Harran University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mehmet Incebıyik, Harran University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07575490
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HRÜ/26.04.16
- Acronym
- APPT-S
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 2 May 2026
- Last updated
- 8 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: To protect the privacy of the participants and ensure data confidentiality in accordance with the institutional ethical guidelines, individual participant data (IPD) will not be made publicly available. The study involves sensitive clinical measurements and personal health information that were collected under the condition of strict anonymity. Results will be disseminated through aggregated data in peer-reviewed publications.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Impact of Structured Postoperative Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training on Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Pelvic Hemodynamics, and Sexual Function Following Cesarean Section: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Doppler Morphometric Analysis Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07575490
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- APPT-S / HRÜ/26.04.16
- Keywords
- Vaginal Doppler, Pelvic Hemodynamics, Abdomino-pelvic Training, FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), Post-cesarean Recovery, Core Stabilization, Uterine Artery Doppler
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Harran UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 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.
This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific exercise program on physical recovery and sexual health in women who have had a cesarean section. Pregnancy and abdominal surgery can lead to a separation of the abdominal muscles, known as Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA), and may affect pelvic health and sexual function. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program starting at the 6th week after surgery. This program includes specific exercises to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles. The control group will follow the standard routine postpartum care. The researchers will use ultrasound and Doppler imaging to measure the distance between the abdominal muscles and the blood flow in the pelvic area at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of training. Participants will also complete a validated questionnaire (FSFI) to evaluate their sexual function. The goal of the research is to determine if this structured exercise program helps close the abdominal gap more effectively and improves pelvic blood flow and sexual well-being compared to standard care.
Detailed description
Background and Rationale:
Cesarean section (C-section) is a major surgical procedure that alters the integrity of the abdominal wall. Even if it avoids direct pelvic floor trauma associated with vaginal delivery, the combination of pregnancy-related mechanical stress and surgical incision often leads to Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and pelvic floor dysfunction. These conditions are frequently associated with reduced sexual function and lower quality of life in the postpartum period. While pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is well-studied, there is a lack of objective evidence regarding the impact of structured "Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" on tissue-level recovery and vascular perfusion. Study Objectives:
The primary objective of this prospective, randomized controlled study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week structured rehabilitation program on inter-recti distance (IRD), pelvic hemodynamics, and sexual function in primiparous women following elective C-section. Methodology and Intervention:
A total of 160 participants will be recruited at their 6th-week postpartum visit at Harran University Hospital. Eligible participants will be randomized into two groups: Intervention Group: Participants will receive a 6-week structured abdomino-pelvic power-training protocol (including PFMT and core stabilization exercises). The program consists of weekly clinical visits and a prescribed home exercise regimen. Control Group: Participants will receive standard routine postpartum follow-up care without specific exercise training. Outcome Measures and Evaluation:
Assessments will be performed at baseline (6th week postpartum) and at the end of the intervention (3rd month postpartum). Morphometric Analysis: Inter-recti distance (IRD) will be measured using linear probe ultrasonography. Hemodynamic Assessment: Pelvic blood flow will be evaluated via Doppler ultrasonography, measuring Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI) of the Uterine Artery and Vaginal Artery, as well as perfusion of the surgical scar tissue. Functional Assessment: Sexual function will be measured using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Statistical Analysis:
Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Continuous variables will be compared using Independent Samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test between groups, and Paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for within-group changes over time. Correlation between objective Doppler parameters and subjective FSFI scores will be evaluated.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Model Description This is a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Randomization: Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either the Intervention Group or the Control Group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated random sequence to ensure unbiased distribution. Intervention Arm: Participants in this group will undergo a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" protocol. This includes core stabilization and pelvic floor muscle exercises, initiated at the 6th week postpartum. Control Arm: Participants in this group will receive standard postpartum care and follow-up without any structured exercise intervention. Follow-up: Both groups will be evaluated at baseline (6th week postpartum) and immediately following the 6-week study period (3rd month postpartum) to compare clinical, morphometric, and hemodynamic outcomes.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention Group: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training | Experimental | Other: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training ProgramParticipants in this arm will participate in a 6-week "Structured Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training" program, starting at the 6th week postpartum. The intervention consists of: Clinical Sessions: Once-a-week supervised training sessions conducted at the hospital to ensure correct technique. Home Exercise Program: Prescribed daily exercises to be performed by the participant at home for the remaining 6 days of the week. Core Stabilization: Specific exercises targeting the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis muscles to reduce inter-recti distance (IRD). Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Structured contractions aimed at improving pelvic floor strength and hemodynamics. Monitoring: Progress will be monitored during weekly clinical visits, and the intensity will be adjusted based on participant tolerance. |
| Control Group: Standard Postpartum Care | Active comparator | Other: Standard Postpartum Follow-upParticipants in this arm will follow the standard routine postpartum care and follow-up protocol provided by the clinic. They will not participate in the structured abdomino-pelvic or pelvic floor exercise program during the 6-week study period. All clinical assessments, including ultrasound measurements for inter-recti distance, pelvic Doppler imaging, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires, will be performed at the same time intervals as the intervention group (at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum) to provide a comparative baseline for the study. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Women who have undergone an elective cesarean section.
- Participants who are at their 6th week postpartum at the start of the study.
- Aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Volunteering to participate and capable of signing the informed consent form.
- -
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Multiparous women (those with more than one delivery).
- Women with a history of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (other than the current C-section).
- Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or connective tissue disorders).
- Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition that prevents participation in an exercise program.
- History of pelvic organ prolapse or severe urinary incontinence prior to pregnancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training ProgramA 6-week structured exercise program including one weekly supervised clinical session and daily home exercises. It focuses on core stabilization (rectus abdominis, obliques, transversus abdominis) to reduce inter-recti distance and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) to improve strength and hemodynamics. | Other | Intervention Group: Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training |
| Standard Postpartum Follow-upParticipants will follow the routine clinical postpartum follow-up protocol. This includes standard medical advice and assessments at the 6th week and 3rd month postpartum, without participation in the structured exercise program. | Other | Control Group: Standard Postpartum Care |
Primary outcome
Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD)
Time frame: From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).
The distance between the medial borders of the two rectus abdominis muscles, measured in centimeters (cm) using linear probe ultrasonography to evaluate the severity of Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA).
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 8 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. To protect the privacy of the participants and ensure data confidentiality in accordance with the institutional ethical guidelines, individual participant data (IPD) will not be made publicly available. The study involves sensitive clinical measurements and personal health information that were collected under the condition of strict anonymity. Results will be disseminated through aggregated data in peer-reviewed publications.
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.
ismail palalı, PhD, Asst. Prof. contact
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Abdomino-Pelvic Power-Training Program and Standard Postpartum Follow-up in people with Diastasis Recti Abdominis Postpartum Period Cesarean Section Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, run by Harran University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 7 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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 MEHMET İNCEBIYIK, MD, Asst. Prof. (+905353374889, drmehmetincebiyik@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Inter-recti Distance (IRD) (time frame: From baseline (6th week postpartum) to the completion of the exercise program (3rd month postpartum).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 8 May 2026.