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.
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
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
Parallel
Barre-Based Core Stability Training (BBT)
BehavioralBarre-Based Core Stability Training is a low impact, structured exercise intervention designed to improve deep core muscle activation, postural alignment, and functional stability. It will include controlled movements such as pelvic tilts, glute bridges, modified planks, lower limb core-controlled exercises, and functional standing activities. The program will emphasize activation of the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor muscles through slow, controlled, and alignment focused exercises. Sessions will be conducted under supervision three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 30-45 minutes. This intervention will aim to enhance core strength, improve neuromuscular coordination, and support overall lumbopelvic stability.
Tupler Technique
BehavioralThe Tupler Technique is a structured rehabilitation program specifically designed for the management of Diastasis Recti Abdominis. It will include abdominal splinting, progressive core strengthening exercises, and neuromuscular re-education techniques. The program will focus on activating and strengthening the transversus abdominis while promoting approximation of the rectus abdominis muscles to reduce inter-recti distance. Key components will include elevator exercises, controlled core engagement, and the use of abdominal support during functional activities to enhance abdominal wall integrity. In this study, the Tupler Technique will be delivered in combination with Barre-based training over 8 weeks with supervised sessions three times per week.
Inter-Recti Distance (IRD)
Inter-recti distance (IRD) will be measured to assess the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles in women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis. Measurements will be taken using ultrasound imaging and calipers at standardized anatomical points (above, at, and below the umbilicus). IRD will be recorded in centimeters. A reduction in IRD indicates improvement in abdominal wall integrity and core stability.
Core Strength
Core strength will be assessed using the Modified Sahrmann Test, which evaluates lumbopelvic control and activation of deep core muscles during progressive lower limb movements. Performance will be scored based on the ability to maintain neutral spine alignment without compensatory movements such as pelvic tilt or abdominal bulging. Higher scores indicate better core strength and neuromuscular control.
Pelvic Floor Function
Pelvic floor function will be assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), a validated questionnaire measuring symptom severity related to urinary, colorectal, and prolapse distress. Scores range from 0 to 300, with higher scores indicating greater dysfunction. A reduction in score indicates improvement in pelvic floor function.
Postural Stability
Postural Stability Postural stability will be assessed using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Participants perform balance tasks in double-leg, single-leg, and tandem stance on firm and foam surfaces. Errors (e.g., stepping, loss of balance, opening eyes) are counted. Lower scores indicate better postural control.
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