Can eccentric exercises reduce diastasis recti?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a custom therapeutic program in reducing diastasis recti (DR). Materials and Methods. The study included 64 participants aged 18–25 years diagnosed with DR. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental or control. Participants in the experimental group followed a custom therapeutic program for four weeks. Research tools included the IPAQ questionnaire (short version), a custom survey, the Beighton score, and the curl-up test. Results. After four weeks of the therapeutic program, a significant reduction in DR was observed in the experimental group. A statistically significant correlation was found between the reduction in DR and the frequency of therapy sessions (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, significant correlations were noted between DR below the navel and BMI (p ≤ 0.05) and WHR (p ≤ 0.05). However, no correlation was found between DR at the xiphoid process level and BMI, WHR, joint hypermobility, MET scores, weekly training frequency, or training experience. Conclusions. The custom therapeutic program, performed daily for four weeks, proved effective in reducing diastasis recti. Incorporating eccentric abdominal exercises into therapy for individuals with DR is recommended.