About this trial
This study will be a single blind, parallel group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Barre-based core stability training with and without the Tupler Technique in postpartum women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis. A total of 58 eligible participants will be recruited from postpartum care units and randomly assigned in a 1:1 allocation ratio to either an experimental group receiving Barre-based core stability training combined with the Tupler Technique or a control group receiving Barre-based core stability training alone.
Both interventions will be delivered under supervised conditions three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The Barre-based program focuses on controlled low impact movements aimed at improving deep core muscle activation, postural alignment, and neuromuscular coordination. The experimental group will additionally receive the Tupler Technique, which includes abdominal splinting, progressive core strengthening exercises, and neuromuscular re-education targeting approximation of the rectus abdominis muscles and improved abdominal wall function.
Outcome measures include inter-recti distance, core strength, and pelvic floor function. Secondary outcomes include postural stability and functional performance. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (week 4), post-intervention (week 8), and follow-up (week 12) by blinded outcome assessors to minimize bias.
The purpose of this trial is to determine whether combining the Tupler Technique with Barre-based core stability training provides superior improvements in abdominal separation, core strength, pelvic floor function, and functional ability compared with Barre-based training alone in postpartum women.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Women aged 18-40 years
Postpartum period between 6-12 months
Diagnosed with stage I-II Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Presence of symptoms such as abdominal weakness or back pain
Disqualifiers
Stage III Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Severe hernias or significant pelvic floor dysfunction
Neurological, cardiovascular, or systemic conditions contraindicating exercise
History of abdominal surgery or trauma affecting the abdominal wall
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Barre-Based Core Stability Training (BBT)
- Tupler Technique