EFFECTS OF A PHYSIOBALL TRAINING PROGRAM ON TRUNK AND ABDOMINAL STRENGTH AND STATIC BALANCE MEASURES

Abstract

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that implementing a functional training program using the physioball would result in significant improvements in trunk static balance and abdominal strength when compared to conventional floor exercises. Female subjects (N = 30) were randomly separated into experimental or control groups. The experimental group performed abdominal curl-ups and back extensions on the physioball and the control group performed the same exercises on the floor. The two groups trained 5 times per week for 5 weeks. Pre and post values of abdominal and lower back strength were measured using EMG and the CYBEX Norm System. Balance was measured pre and post training using two one-legged balance tests. Heart rate was also measured pre and post testing. A 2x2 mixed factorial ANOVA was used to analyze pre and post measurement for experimental and control groups. The analysis of significant interaction revealed that the experimental group was found to have significantly (p < 0.05) higher values in EMG trunk flexion and extension post testing. In addition, the experimental group outperformed (p < 0.05) the control group on both balance tests. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were seen in heart rate or CYBEX measurements. Improvements in balance were the result of the continuous practice of balance during the training period. The gain in EMG activity suggests neural adaptation in the early stages of training.