Confused by conflicting advice on abdominal exercises and postpartum core recovery? 

In this solo episode, Marianne Tafani explores four key research studies on diastasis recti and abdominal training, including the role of crunches in postpartum rehabilitation.

Drawing on both the evidence and her clinical experience supporting 2,300+ postpartum women, Marianne breaks down how research translates into real-world practice, and where context, load management, and individual assessment matter most.

📚All studies discussed in the episode are linked below:

Mota et. al. (2015, wrongly referred to as 2016 in the episode!): The Immediate Effects on Inter-rectus Distance of Abdominal Crunch and Drawing-in Exercises During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2015.5459

Lee & Hodges (2016): Behavior of the Linea Alba During a Curl-up Task in Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: An Observational Study

https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2016.6536

Leopold et. Al. (2021): Efficacy of a Core Strengthening Program for DRA in Postpartum Women: A Prospective Observational Study

https://journals.lww.com/jwphpt/fulltext/2021/10000/efficacy_of_a_core_strengthening_program_for.3.aspx

Theodorsen et. Al. (2023): Effect of exercise on the inter-rectus distance in pregnant women with diastasis recti abdominis: an experimental longitudinal study

https://www.physiotherapyjournal.com/article/S0031-9406(23)00051-2/fulltext

📩 For information about the next Core Connect Perinatal Pilates Instructor Course, feel free to email: [email protected]

🔗 To connect with Marianne:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannetafani/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marianne.coreconnect/