A New Progressive Motor-Control-Based Exercise Approach for Women with Diastasis Recti Abdominis: The Denizoglu Method

Abstract

PurposeThis randomized controlled study investigated the effectiveness of a novel progressive motor control-based exercise program (The Denizoglu Method) on IRD, abdominal endurance, pelvic floor dysfunctions, and body image satisfaction in women with diastasis recti abdominis (DRA).MethodsThis was a randomized controlled study of 50 women diagnosed with DRA within 1-3 years of the postpartum period. The progressive motor control-based exercise program and the conventional exercise program were performed 5 times a week for 8 weeks in a home-based and telerehabilitation setting. The primary outcome measured was inter-recti distance (IRD), while secondary outcomes included the static abdominal flexion endurance test, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20-20), and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). All assessments were conducted both pre- and post-intervention.ResultsThe Denizoglu Method group demonstrated significant improvements in IRD, static abdominal flexion endurance, PFDI-20-20, and MBSRQ scores. Similarly, the conventional exercise training group exhibited statistically significant enhancements in IRD and PFDI-20-20 scores. However, the Denizoglu Method was found to be superior in improving IRD and abdominal endurance in women with DRA 1 to 3 years postpartum.ConclusionsThe Denizoglu Method emerges as a promising approach for managing DRA in clinical practice. It can be effectively implemented as a supervised home-based exercise program or integrated in women's health care centers during the 1 to 3 years postpartum period.