NCT07442487

Effect of High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field on Postnatal Diastasis Recti

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 25 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Diastasis Recti

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
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 ensure comfort and uniform abdominal activation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-15
• First posted: 2026-03-02
• Last updated: 2026-03-02