ObjectiveTo systematically review the effects of core training for diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) in postpartum period. MethodsThe PubMed, EMbase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM and WanFang Data databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on core training for patients with DRA postpartum from inception to December 7, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 12 RCTs were included, involving 741 patients with DRA postpartum. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that core training significantly reduced inter-recti distance (IRD) above the umbilicus (SMD=−1.37, 95%CI −2.30 to −0.44, P<0.05), below the umbilicus (SMD=−0.82, 95%CI −1.28 to −0.36, P<0.05), at the level of the umbilicus during contraction of the rectus abdominis (RA) (SMD=−0.76, 95%CI −1.24 to −0.28, P<0.05) and above the umbilicus during RA contraction (SMD=−3.41, 95%CI −5.12 to −1.69, P<0.05) in patients with DRA postpartum. Additionally, the results indicated that core training could improve visual analogue scale, abdominal circumference, waist-hip ratio, lumbopelvic control impairment, lumbopelvic proprioception, the static and dynamic overall balance stability, the static and dynamic anterior-posterior balance stability, medial-lateral static balance stability and Oswestry disability index in patients with DRA postpartum (P<0.05). However, no significant improvement was observed in inter-recti distance (IRD) below the umbilicus during RA contraction, the score of inventory of functional status after childbirth questionnaire, the score of multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire, medial-lateral dynamic balance stability or the score of pelvic floor impact questionnaire in patients with DRA postpartum (P>0.05). ConclusionCore training may improve IRD, pain intensity, total abdominal fat and fat distribution and balance in patients with DRA postpartum, but its efficacy in improving postpartum functional status, body image satisfaction or the degree of dysfunction is unclear. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.