Core stability

Core stability relates to the bodily region bounded by the abdominal wall, the pelvis, the lower back and the diaphragm and its ability to stabilise the body during movement. The main muscles involved include the transversus abdominus, the internal and external obliques, the quadratus lumborum and the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main muscle of breathing in the human and so breathing is important in providing the necessary core stability for moving and lifting. It is the action of these muscles contracting together upon the incompressible contents of the abdominal cavity (i.e. the internal organs or viscera) that provides support to the spine and pelvis during movement^{[citation needed]}.

In practice

Whenever a person moves, to lift something or simply to move from one position to another, the core region is tensed first^{[citation needed]}. This tension is usually made unconsciously and in conjunction with a change in breathing pattern^{[citation needed]}. An example to try is to sit in a chair and to reach forward over a table to pick up a cup. This movement is first accompanied by a tension in the core region of the abdomen and can be felt by placing one hand on the abdomen as the movement is made^{[citation needed]}.

As the load increases the key muscles contract around the viscera, which are incompressible, to form a stable ball-like core region against which the forces are balanced in coordination with posture. In martial arts there is a saying that 'power is generated from the ground up' and core stability is necessary for the transfer of force and power from the ground across the body into any movement^{[citation needed]}.

It is commonly believed that core stability is essential for the maintenance of an upright posture and especially for movements and lifts that require extra effort such as lifting a heavy weight from the ground to a table^{[citation needed]}. Without core stability the lower back is not supported from inside and can be injured by strain caused by the exercise^{[citation needed]}. It is also believed that insufficient core stability can result in lower back pain, poor posture and lethargy^{[citation needed]}.

There is little support in research for the core stability model and many of the benefits attributed to this method of exercise have not been demonstrated. At best core stability training has the same benefits as general, non-specific exercise ^{[1][2][3][4][5]} (see review by Lederman 09)^[6] and walking. ^[7] Trunk or core specific exercise have failed to demonstrate preventative benefits against injuries in sports ^[8][9][10] or to improve sports performance.^[11]

Although Lederman remains a figurehead skeptic against core stabilization, there are several favorable studies^{[citation needed]} that exist to support the role of core stabilization in protecting the spine from unnecessary shifting and shearing of vertebral structures^{[citation needed]}. The core stability model consists of passive and active stabilization structures^{[citation needed]} as well as a third, often disregarded subsystem,called the neuromotor system^{[citation needed]}. This vital system is required for the active structures such as muscles to provide preemptive or rather quick responses to the body's demands^{[citation needed]}.

Training methods

Training methods for developing and maintaining core stability include:

• Pilates
• Exercise ball, also known as a Swiss ball, stability ball, yoga ball, Pilates ball or fitness ball
• BOSU
• Halo exercises

See also

• Human abdomen
• Core muscle training
• sit ups/ running

References

• Anderson, Stephen A.; Calais-Germain, Blandine (1993). Anatomy of movement. Chicago: Eastland Press. ISBN 0-939616-17-3. 
• Mel Cash. Pocket Atlas of the Moving Body: For All Students of Human Biology, Medicine, Sports and Physical Therapy. North Pomfret, Vt: Trafalgar Square Publishing. ISBN 0-09-186512-3. 

1. ^ Kriese M, et al Segmental stabilization in low back pain: a systematic review. Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2010 Mar;24(1):17-25. Epub 2010 Mar 16
2. ^ Rackwitz B, et al Segmental stabilizing exercises and low back pain. What is the evidence? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Clin Rehabil. 2006 Jul;20(7):553-67
3. ^ May S, Johnson R. Stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy.2008;94(3):179-189
4. ^ Ferreira PH, Ferreira ML, Maher CG, et al. Specific stabilisation exercise for spinal and pelvic pain: a systematic review. Aust J Physiother 2006;52:79–88
5. ^ Macedo LG, Maher CG, Latimer J et al 2009 Motor Control Exercise for Persistent, Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review PHYS THER Vol. 89, No. 1, January, pp. 9-25
6. ^ Lederman, E. The myth of core stability. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2009, doi=10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.08.001
7. ^ Smeets RJ. Do lumbar stabilising exercises reduce pain and disability in patients with recurrent low back pain? Aust J Physiother. 2009;55(2):138
8. ^ Childs JD, et al Effects of Traditional Sit-up Training Versus Core Stabilization Exercises on Short-Term Musculoskeletal Injuries in US Army Soldiers: A Cluster Randomized Trial. Phys Ther. 2010 Jul 22
9. ^ Helewa A, et al., 1999. Does strengthening the abdominal muscles prevent low back pain--a randomized controlled trial. J Rheumatol. 26 (8), 1808-1815
10. ^ Nadler SF, et al., 2002. Hip muscle imbalance and low back pain in athletes: influence of core strengthening. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 34 (1), 9-16
11. ^ Hibbs AE, et al Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength. Sports Med. 2008;38(12):995-1008. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200838120-00004