Home-Based Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti in Early Postpartum Women

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program combined with education on diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and abdominal wall function in women during the early postpartum period. The study includes healthy women over 18 years of age, recruited within the first 3 days after childbirth, who have been diagnosed with diastasis recti abdominis. Participants are assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. The control group receives standard postpartum education regarding ergonomics, safe lifting, and toilet habits. The experimental group receives the same standard education along with a specific 6-week home-based abdominal exercise program and breathing instructions, supported by video materials. Researchers will assess the inter-recti distance (IRD), abdominal muscle strength, back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia. IRD measurements are taken twice: at baseline (during hospitalization) and after the 6-week intervention. Assessments of back pain-related disability, body esteem, and kinesiophobia are conducted once, at 6 weeks postpartum.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inter-recti distance (IRD) of ≥28 mm at rest or ≥25 mm during contraction, measured 2 cm above and/or below the umbilicus; and/or a visible abdominal bulging during contraction. * Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * History of laparotomy. * Contraindications to physical activity (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe orthopedic injuries). * Serious maternal illness (e.g., cardiac or respiratory conditions requiring medical supervision). * Inability to communicate in Polish. * Mental disorders that interfere with logical communication with the participant.