Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Telerehabilitation Intervention for Diastasis Recti Abdominis-A Pilot Study.

Background

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common postpartum condition typically managed with rehabilitation exercises. Given its high prevalence and postpartum barriers in attending in-person sessions, telerehabilitation may offer a feasible alternative. This small pilot study evaluates the preliminary effectiveness and user satisfaction of a 12-week telerehabilitation exercise program for women with postpartum DRA.

Methods

Parous women with DRA participated in a 12-week trunk stabilization program, including synchronous and asynchronous sessions, from April 2024 to May 2025. The primary outcome was satisfaction (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire-TUQ_Greek and two additional custom-made questions). Secondary outcomes included inter-recti distance (IRD), trunk muscle endurance tests, body image (BISS_Greek), and adherence to exercise.

Results

Thirteen participants aged 37.54 ± 5.49 completed the pilot intervention. Satisfaction was high (TUQ_Greek = 6.28 ± 0.60), with 84.62% (11/13 subjects) rating telerehabilitation as very satisfactory. Statistically significant reductions in IRD were observed at 2 cm (large effect, d = 1.00; 95% CI [0.12 to 0.47]) and 5 cm (large effect, d = 0.81; 95% CI [0.08 to 0.58]) above the umbilicus (p < 0.05). Post-intervention, most trunk muscle endurance tests improved significantly (p < 0.05) at 4 and 12 weeks (large effect, η2 = 0.44 to-0.56). Body image (BISS_Greek) also improved post-intervention (p < 0.05, medium to large effect, d = -0.73; 95% CI [(-1.75 to -0.16]). Mean adherence reached 71.37%.

Conclusions

This small pilot supports the feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation program as well as its effectiveness in improving key clinical outcomes. However, since this was a small pilot, generalizability might be limited by the small sample size and should be confirmed in larger studies.