Pilot study demonstrates high user satisfaction and significant improvement in inter-recti distance with a telerehabilitation program for postpartum women.
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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Skoura et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: