Abdominal Crunches Are/Are Not a Safe and Effective Exercise

Abstract

ABSTRACT THE ABDOMINAL CRUNCH IS A WELL-KNOWN EXERCISE PERFORMED BY GENERAL AND ATHLETIC POPULATIONS FOR THE PURPORTED BENEFITS OF IMPROVING FITNESS ATTRIBUTES, SPORT PERFORMANCE, AND CORE MUSCLE FUNCTION. DESPITE THE BENEFITS, PARTICIPATION MAY INCREASE ONE'S RISK FOR LOW BACK PAIN. WHILE A CLEAR VERDICT ON THE RISK-TO-BENEFIT RATIO REMAINS ELUSIVE, A DISCUSSION OF THE AVAILABLE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE (OR LACK THEREOF) SHOULD GIVE PRACTITIONERS THE ABILITY TO DETERMINE THE UTILITY OF THIS EXERCISE FOR THEIR CIRCUMSTANCE. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. VISIT NSCA-SCJ.COM TO WEIGH IN ON THE POINT/COUNTERPOINT QUICK POLL.