Effect of High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field on Postnatal Diastasis Recti
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: A program of abdominal exercises, High-intensity focused electromagnetic field.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Diastasis Recti. Basic parameters: 25 years — 35 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Overview
This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic field on postnatal diastasis recti.
Detailed description
Rectus diastasis is a prevalent condition that can have adverse health implications for women during both the antenatal and postnatal periods of pregnancy. Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) has been found to affect between 30% and 70% of pregnant women, and the increased inter rectus diastasis (IRD) can persist separated in the immediate postpartum period in 35% to 60% of women.
The contraction of all abdominal muscles reduces the abdominal horizontal diameter in such a way that a horizontal force will be generated, producing the approximation of both rectus abdominis muscles, particularly at umbilical level. So, increasing the abdominal muscles strength have proven to bring the left and right sides of the rectus diastasis together, convert the abdomen into a rigid cylinder and minimize the additional stress on the trunk or back.
High-intensity focused electromagnetic technology induces a rapidly changing magnetic field that triggers supramaximal abdominal muscle contractions, not achievable voluntarily. In response, the abdominal muscles grow and strengthen, which lead to a tighter abdomen; thus, increasing the strength and the contour of the abdominal muscles.
To date, few investigations have been conducted to evaluate the effects of high-intensity focused electromagnetic field on changes in the abdominal subcutaneous fat, thickness and separation. But, till now there is no previous study investigated its effect on diastasis recti in postnatal women. Hence, the present study will be conducted to examine the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic field on diastasis recti in postnatal women which is anticipated to offer significant benefits to medical service organizations and contribute to the expanding knowledge base of physical therapists in the scientific domain.
Interventions
- Other A program of abdominal exercises
All women in both groups will be adhered to a program of abdominal strengthening exercise that includes static abdominal, abdominal crunch, and external oblique exercises. Each exercise will be repeated 15 times and will be increased by five repetitions each week throughout the study period, with total time of 20 minutes/ session, 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. - Device High-intensity focused electromagnetic field
High-intensity focused electromagnetic field will be administered only to the experimental group, targeting the abdominal region for 30 minutes per session, twice weekly for 8 weeks. Sessions will be performed in the supine position, with the applicator centered over the umbilicus and secured to prevent movement. Stimulation intensity will start at 0% and be gradually increased to achieve strong yet tolerable muscle contractions, guided by continuous visual monitoring and patient feedback to ens
Primary outcome measures
- Inter-recti distance (IRD) 3 cm above the umbilicus [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Inter-recti distance at the level of the umbilicus [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Inter-recti distance 3 cm below the umbilicus [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Right rectus abdominis muscle thickness [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Left rectus abdominis muscle thickness [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Right external oblique muscle thickness [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Left external oblique muscle thickness [Time frame: 8 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- one-minute sit-up test [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC) questionnaire [Time frame: 8 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Postnatal women (6 months after delivery) having diastasis recti (separation between the two recti more than 2.5cm at the level of umbilicus) diagnosed and referred from the obstetrician.
- Multiparous women (2-3) times delivered vaginally with or without episiotomy.
- Their ages will range from 25 -35 years old.
- Their BMI will be less than 30 kg/cm2.
- All women will be of sedentary lifestyle.
- They will be clinically and medically stable when attending the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Cardiac disorders.
- Active cancer.
- Medical condition contraindicating the application of an electromagnetic field as epilepsy or having metal implants
- Abdominal or back surgery.
- Abdominal hernia.
- History of abnormal pregnancy, uterine fibroid or polyhydramnios during pregnancy.
- Neurological disorders as multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal lesion.
- Musculoskeletal diseases such as fractures and muscle strains which may affect their physical activity.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07442487 · P.T.REC/012/005282