core stability

Back pain is one of the most common disorders, caused by various factors and leading to diverse consequences. This study aimed to compare specific postural and functional indicators in adolescent boys with and without non-specific chronic low back pain.

The present study employed a causal-comparative design. A total of 30 adolescent male students with non-specific chronic low back pain and 30 healthy adolescent male students were purposefully selected. Individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain were identified using a visual pain scale and confirmed by a physical medicine specialist. Kyphosis and lordosis were assessed using a flexible ruler, proprioception was evaluated through the lumbar angle active reconstruction test at a 30-degree angle using a goniometer, core stability was measured using McGill functional tests, upper limb function was assessed with the Upper Limb Y Test, and static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Stork Test and the Lower Limb Y Test, respectively. An independent t-test was used to compare the average variables between the two groups.

The findings revealed significant differences in proprioception, core stability, and static and dynamic balance between the groups with and without non-specific chronic low back pain. However, the two groups observed no significant differences between other variables.

These results highlight the importance of proprioception, core stability, and static and dynamic balance in adolescent boys with non-specific chronic low back pain. Rehabilitation protocols for this population should prioritize developing and strengthening these components.

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Various treatments have been recommended to address this prevalent issue, with core stability and McKenzie exercises being among the most evidence-based options. However, recent comparative studies lack mechanical assessment and functional tests. This study compares the effects of core stability and McKenzie exercises on the range of motion, pain, disability, and function in patients with mechanical low back pain.

In this clinical trial, 22 patients received core stability exercises, and 22 received McKenzie exercises based on individual mechanical assessments. Before treatment, each patient underwent mechanical assessment via the McKenzie mechanical assessment form, pain assessment using the visual analog scale, disability evaluation with the Oswestry disability index questionnaire, muscle control, as well as function assessment with unilateral single limb stance, and range of motion evaluation using fingertip-to-floor distance measurements. All variables were measured again after 8 sessions over two weeks of intervention.

Both groups showed significant improvements in trunk flexion range of motion, disability, functional status, and pain (P>0.05). However, the two groups had no significant differences (P<0.05).

Both core stabilization and McKenzie exercises are effective in reducing pain disability, increasing range of motion, and enhancing functional status in patients with mechanical low back pain.

The diaphragm muscle constitutes the internal component of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex (LPHC), and its stability is suggested to influence lower limb joint function, particularly the alignment of the patellofemoral joint and the tracking path mechanism of the patella.

To compare the endurance of the LPHC and diaphragm contractility in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and a healthy control group.

Fifty-six females, including twenty-eight diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome and twenty-eight healthy females matched as controls (aged 15 - 45), were invited to participate in this case-control study. Endurance scores of trunk extensor, flexor, and lateral flexor muscles, endurance ratios, and the percentage of diaphragm muscle contractility using the ultrasonography method were compared between the two groups.

The endurance time of trunk flexors and right and left lateral muscle groups in the PFPS group significantly differed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Diaphragm contractility in both the right (Mean ± SD: 21.82 ± 3.61; P < 0.001) and left (Mean ± SD: 22.92 ± 2.99; P = 0.007) sides was significantly lower in the PFPS group compared to the control group.

Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex stability and diaphragm respiratory function and contractility were impaired in females with PFPS.

Physical activity decreases at the beginning of adolescence, so organized physical activity at school plays an essential role in promoting the health and proper physical development of students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of calisthenics training on core stability, muscle strength, static balance and trunk proprioception of male teenagers.

In this semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, 40 male high school students aged 15 to 18 in Zavareh city were selected as a sample and randomly divided into two groups: calisthenics training (n=20) and control (n=20). The experimental group received calisthenics training for eight weeks, three times per week, for 60 minutes each session. Before and after the eight-weeks training, static balance, core stability, muscle strength and trunk proprioception were measured using the Stroke balance test, McGill test, chest press, leg press, rowing and error rate of the trunk reconstruction angle at 45° respectively.

The results of the independent t- test showed that eight weeks of calisthenics training increased the amount of static balance (p<0.0001), trunk proprioception (p<0.0001), core stability in trunk flexion (p<0.0001), and muscle strength in the rowing and leg press test (p<0.05) significantly.

Overall, the findings from the present study suggest that following an 8-week participation in calisthenics training, trunk proprioception, core stability in flexion, muscle strength and static balance improved in teenagers, therefore, this type of exercises can be used along with other types of exercises or as a suitable alternative in schools.

Aging is associated with changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system, which can lead to impairments in balance. This study compares the effects of aerobic and core stability exercises on healthy older men’s static and dynamic balance.

In this study, 30 adults aged 60 to 70 years were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into three groups as follows: aerobic exercises, core stability exercises, and a control group. The interventions were carried out separately for the two experimental groups over 6 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the Romberg and Sharpened Romberg balance tests, while dynamic balance was assessed using the functional reach and timed up-and-go tests. The data were analyzed using the one-way multivariate analysis of covariance test with the SPSS software, version 26.

The mean scores of post-tests for the balance tests in the two experimental groups improved compared to their pre-test scores and the post-test scores of the control group. Moreover, both aerobic and core stability exercises had a significant effect on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly (P=0.001). When examining the effects of exercises on dynamic balance, the findings showed a significant difference in favor of aerobic exercises compared to core stability exercises (P=0.017). However, no significant difference was observed concerning static balance (P=1.00) when comparing the effects of the exercises.

Aerobic and core stability exercises have a positive impact on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly. Furthermore, for improving dynamic balance in older men, aerobic exercises appear to be more effective than core stability exercises.

 Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent condition that affects 90% of individuals experiencing low back pain. Core stabilization exercises (CSE) stand out as the most commonly employed therapeutic approach for managing NSCLBP. Nevertheless, there remains uncertainty regarding the superior effectiveness between isometric (ISOM) and isotonic (ISOT) types of CSE in the treatment of NSCLBP.

 The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of ISOM and ISOT exercises concerning pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of both ISOM and ISOT in comparison to no intervention concerning these variables in these patients.

 This study was a randomized controlled trial that involved 41 men and women experiencing NSCLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: ISOM CSE (n = 13), ISOT CSE (n = 14), and a waitlist control (n = 14). The exercise training was administered for 40 - 60 minutes three times a week over a period of up to 8 weeks. Pain (assessed using the Visual Analog Scale or VAS) and disability (evaluated through the Oswestry Disability Index or ODI) variables were measured before and after the interventions.

 Based on the results, there was no significant difference between the 2 exercise groups (ISOM and ISOT) regarding pain and disability. However, the ISOM group demonstrated numerically better results than the ISOT group. Both the ISOM and ISOT groups exhibited a significant decrease in pain levels, with the VAS score decreasing from 5.5 to 2.7 for ISOM and from 5.8 to 3.7 for ISOT, as compared to the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the average disability showed a significant improvement in both the ISOM (ODI score from 17 to 11) and ISOT (ODI score from 15.4 to 11) groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

 Both ISOM and ISOT methods are effective in alleviating pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP. However, there is no significant difference in the benefits between them. Numerically, ISOM exercises were found to be superior. Further studies are needed to obtain a more accurate answer regarding their superiority.

Nocturnal enuresis has negative effects on children's sleep habits and quality of life. Implementing physical activity and regular exercise can probably have an effect on improving sleep habits and the quality of life of these children. Core Stability exercises can be mentioned among these exercises. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effects of core stability exercises on sleep habits and quality of life in children with nocturnal enuresis.

In this clinical trial, 70 children with nocturnal enuresis referred to the educational-therapeutic Shahid Mofateh polyclinic, affiliated with Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2022, were selected using a convenient sampling method from the available population. Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory generic version 4 were completed before and 48 hours after the end of the intervention. The intervention was conducted in 8 weeks, 3 sessions a week and each session lasted 45 minutes. SPSS software version 21 and chi-square, independent T and paired T tests were used to analyze the data.

The results showed that after the completion of the intervention, the changes in the mean score of sleep habits and quality of life in both groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Core Stability Exercises are effective in the sleep habits and quality of life of children with nocturnal enuresis.

This study compares the effect of postural restoration (PR) exercises with and without core stability exercises on the pain, intensity, function, quality of life (QoL), and passive range of motion (PROM) at lumbo pelvic-femoral complex in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

This was an interventional type of randomized clinical trial study. The participants were 45 female patients (48.1±6.11 years, 161.4±5.06 cm height, 65.08±6.9 kg weight, and 24.9±2.8 body mass index). They were randomly divided into three equal groups: Group 1=PR exercises and core exercises, group 2=PR exercises, and group 3=control group. Pain intensity, function, QoL, and PROM were measured with the visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, short form-36 questionnaire, and goniometer. The analysis of covariance was used to compare the means in the study groups before and after the intervention. The intervention groups performed the exercises for six weeks.

The results showed a significant difference between the QoL, pain intensity, function, and PROM of left hip adduction in the group with PR exercises with and without core exercises and control (P=0.000). In the PR group with core exercises (P=0.001) and without core exercises (P=0.001), a significant increase was observed in the adduction of the left hip. There was no significant difference between the function (P=0.850), pain (P=0.120), QoL (P=0.328), and PROM (P=0.094) in the intervention groups.

PR exercises with and without core stability are equally effective in reducing pain and improving function, QoL, and hip adduction range of motion in women with left anterior interior chain patterns.

We assessed the effect of change in core isometric strength and endurance on upper limb isometric strength in female athletes.

In this experimental study, 32 female athletes aged 18-25 years were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. (17 cases in the experimental group and 15 cases in the control group). Before and after the core stabilization knockdown protocol, participants were assessed for isometric core strength (abdomen/back rehab 5310; rehab line), core endurance (curl-up test), and upper limb isometric strength (push up/pull down rehab 5120; rehab line). 

The results showed a significant reduction in abdomen, back, push-up, pull-down isometric strength, and curl-up test scores in the experimental group and no significant differences in these parameters in the control group after the protocol. The experimental and control groups showed significant differences in the aforementioned parameters after the protocol.

This research suggests that performing extensive and exclusive core exercises to relieve fatigue prior to upper limb training can decrease the potential for core activation. This can ultimately lead to reduced effectiveness of upper extremity exercises or rehabilitation sessions, which can lead to upper body injuries. These exercises can be useful to enhance the knowledge regarding the sequencing of core and upper limb exercises in an athlete’s training protocols.

 The objective of this study was to examine the impact of six weeks of core instability training on functional movement screening (FMS) scores and core trunk endurance in female Kyokushin karate athletes.

 Thirty female Kyokushin Karate athletes aged 14 - 18 years were recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group (n = 15 per group). Functional movement patterns, including the FMS, Sorenson, and McGill tests, were assessed before and after the intervention. The experimental group underwent six weeks of Kyokushin Karate training, while the control group performed core stability exercises. The statistical analysis involved paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.

 The paired t-test results indicated a significant difference in pre- and post-test scores in both the control and experimental groups (P < 0.05). However, the ANCOVA showed no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).

 Both Kyokushin training and core stability exercises have been found to increase core stability and FMS scores. Therefore, it can be suggested that Kyokushin Karate athletes may not need to perform separate core stability exercises as part of their training routine.

The purpose of current review was investigating the effect of core stability exercises (CSE) on volleyball players. 

Current research was a PRISMA systematic review. It reviewed comprehensively the Impact of CSE on volleyball players. It carried out searching in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, PEDro, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and in Persian Google Scholar, Megapaper databases, IRANDOC, Magiran, SID, Medilib, IranMedex. The keywords in two groups including: Group 1: “Core stability exercise” OR “core stability training” OR “core stability endurance” OR “trunk stability” OR “central stability exercises” OR “core intervention” OR “core stability control” OR “core strengthening exercise” OR “trunk resistance exercise” and group 2: “Volleyball” OR “volleyball player“ OR “volleyball athletes” from 2000 to February of 2023. Current research used both English and Persian languages.

We got 146 articles. After removing duplicate titles, we selected 127 abstracts for review. Finally, 18 articles were included in the present review.

The outcomes of current review show that CSE have the ability to improve movement capabilities, performance, and sports skills as well as prevent injuries from volleyball players. Of course, to interpret the outcomes of the current research caution needs to be taken, considering the restrictions such as the difference in the sample size under study, measurement methods, and components of different core stability protocols.

Non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP) is the most common type of chronic LBP and a common debilitating condition, especially in athletes, that can also affect performance. The core muscles are necessary to create a stable level of support for sports performance and appropriate movements of all organs, and its deficiency is related to complications, such as LBP. This research aims to investigate the effect of a fatigue protocol on core muscle endurance in athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP.

A controlled laboratory study was conducted; 42 female athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP were selected through convenience sampling method and divided into two groups with non-specific chronic LBP and without non-specific chronic LBP. McGill’s core endurance test was used to measure core muscle endurance. The measurements were done before and after the implementation of the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP). SPSS software, version 22 and dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate mean differences obtained in the two groups. The significance level was considered 95%, and the α level was ≤0.05.

The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a significant difference between the two groups with and without non-specific chronic LBP after performing the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP) in McGill’s test scores in isometric flexion exercise (P=0.001), isometric extensor exercise (P=0.001), right side bridge (P=0.001) and left side bridge (P=0.001). In the post-test measurement, the endurance of the core muscles decreased in the LBP group.

The findings revealed that fatigue can affect the core stability and reduce the core muscles endurance of female athletes with non-specific chronic LBP. Therefore, core muscle weakness can be recognized as a risk factor for chronic LBP, and in order to prevent this damage, it is recommended to strengthen this area in rehabilitation programs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of core stability exercises in the trunk area on lower limb alignment and lower and upper limb function in Kyokushin athletes. 

The statistical sample of the research included 30 female Kyokushin players aged 14-18 years, who were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. The control group performed common Kyokushin exercises and the experimental group performed core stability exercises for 6 weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests were used to compare between groups and within groups. 

The results of the paired t-test showed a significant effect of training programs on changes in upper and lower limb function in both experimental and control groups (P≤0.05); however, a significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test in both control and experimental group. The test was not observed in the Q angle (P>0.05). The results of ANCOVA test showed that after controlling the effect of the pre-test, a significant difference was observed in lateral jump (P≤0.05) between the experimental and control groups. However, no difference was observed between the two groups in the changes of closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), square jump, and Q angle (P>0.05).

Considering the nature of Kyokushin and the research results, it is suggested that people working in Kyokushin do not feel the need for core stability exercises separately.