Comparing stabilization training with balance training in recreationally active individuals

Abstract

Aims The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of lumbar core stability training with that of balance training, at improving the balance performance in the recreationally active individuals. Most of the studies to date have been conducted on sporting professionals, whose activity demands are higher than the norm. The present study focuses on the recreationally active population, for which the activity demands are comparatively lesser. Methods Thirty recreationally active subjects (15 males and 15 females) were selected for this study. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: core stability training group (CSTG), balance training group (BTG), and the control group. All subjects were assessed at baseline, and after six weeks, for balance performance, including static, dynamic and functional balance tests. Data were analyzed by paired t-test, ANOVA, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kruksal Wallis test. Findings Both training groups (BTG and CSTG) showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in balance performance compared to the control group, however the improvement in the mean value for the CSTG was greater than that of the BTG. Conclusions Balance training as well as core stabilization training leads to improvement in static and dynamic balance. However none of these training leads to improvement in the functional balance performance.