Effects of TENS With and Without Core Stabilization Exercises on Low Back Pain, Inter-Recti Distance, and Transversus Abdominis Thickness in Postpartum Women With Diastasis Recti Abdominis

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Age range

21 years - 45 years

Sex eligible

Female

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

Participants

36 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

Low back pain is a common complaint among postpartum females, often associated with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a condition characterized by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles. This separation can lead to reduced core stability, altered biomechanics, and impaired functional performance. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential to address pain, restore abdominal muscle integrity, and improve overall function in this population. This study aims to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) with and without core stabilization exercises on low back pain, inter-recti distance (IRD), and transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness in postpartum females with diastasis recti abdominis. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted in which participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving TENS alone and the other receiving TENS combined with core stabilization exercises. Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed through standardized scales, inter-recti distance measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound, and transversus abdominis thickness evaluated at rest and during contraction. These measures will be recorded before and after the intervention period to determine treatment effectiveness. Group A will receive TENS for pain relief.

Group B will receive TENS combined with core stabilization exercises such as abdominal drawing-in, pelvic tilts, and bridging for 4-6 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Paired t-tests will assess within-group changes, and independent t-tests will compare between groups. A p-value ≤ 0.05 will be considered significant. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the added benefit of core stabilization exercises when combined with TENS in postpartum rehabilitation.

This may help in developing more effective physiotherapy protocols for managing low back pain and abdominal muscle dysfunction in females with diastasis recti abdominis.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA).

• Inter-recti distance of ≥2 cm confirmed by clinical examination
• Pain intensity ≥4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
• Females aged 21-45 years
• Postpartum females at least 6 weeks after delivery.
• Not undergoing any other physiotherapy treatment for DRA

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Previous abdominal surgery within the last 6 months.

• Presence of abdominal hernia requiring surgical intervention.
• Pregnancy or high-risk pregnancy.
• Neurological disorders affecting trunk muscle function.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders limiting participation in exercise.
• Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electrical devices contraindicating the use of TENS

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Random assignment

Masking

Single masked

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Research locations (1)

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1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

University of Management and Technology Lahore

Study start

Nov 5, 2026 Actual

Primary completion

Dec 31, 2026 Estimated

Study completion

Dec 31, 2026 Estimated

First posted

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts

No central contact is listed. Check the locations and the official record.