Effect of 12 Weeks of Core Stability Exercises on Functional Movement and Balance of Women Working in Hospitals

Maryam Golmoradi Marani,Aezam Ahmadi,Seyyedeh Fatemeh Alavi,Mahdi Khalegi

doi:10.32598/biomechanics.7.2.4

Maryam Golmoradi Marani, Aezam Ahmadi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32598/biomechanics.7.2.4

Copy DOI

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of 12 weeks of core stability exercises on functional movement and balance of women working in hospitals. Methods: Participants were 34 women aged 30-50 years working in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. They were randomly divided into two groups of exercise and control. The exercise group performed core stability exercises for 12 weeks. The functional movement was evaluated using the valid Function Movement Screen (FMS) method. The dynamic balance, power, agility, speed and flexibility of subjects were also measured using Y balance test, Sargent Jump Test, agility T-test, 20-meter running test, and seated bending forward test, respectively before and after exercise. Paired T-test was used to examine the difference between pre- and post-test scores of each group. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the effect of intervention on the study variables. Results: Results of ANCOVA showed that 12 weeks of core stability exercises significantly improved functional movement performance, dynamic balance, power, agility, speed and flexibility in women. Conclusion: Core stability exercises can improve the performance of neuromuscular system leading to proper movement of spinal, pelvic and hip joints, proper muscle balance, enhanced proximal stability, functional strength and resulting in decreased injury.

Highlights

This study aims to assess the effect of 12 weeks of core stability exercises on functional movement and balance of women working in hospitals
Results of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed that 12 weeks of core stability exercises significantly improved functional movement performance, dynamic balance, power, agility, speed and flexibility in women
Core stability exercises can improve the performance of neuromuscular system leading to proper movement of spinal, pelvic and hip joints, proper muscle balance, enhanced proximal stability, functional strength and resulting in decreased injury

Summary

Extended Abstract

Many studies have shown the importance of core muscle stability in human movements [2]. Result, reduces performance and increases the risk of injury to weak muscle groups [4]. Movement assessment allows health professionals to observe motor defects, asymmetry, and muscle balance [7]. Limb asymmetry increases the risk of injury; it seems that before participation in any training programs there is a need for performance assessment [8]. Functional Movement Screen (FMS) method is a way to initially evaluate motor performance and help identify asymmetry, muscle imbalance, and other injury risk factors, and can measure the state of neuromuscular coordination [9, 10, 11]. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of core stability exercises on functional performance and balance of female staff in hospitals

Methods

Results

Discussion and Conclusion

Compliance with ethical guidelines

Refrences