Examination of an Objective Biofeedback Device to Develop Core Strength and Stability

Abstract

To elicit optimal development of the core musculature a training protocol or device should minimize unwanted movement of the trunk and maximize core muscle recruitment during a given exercise. Commercial training devices are common features within exercise facilities, however there is debate over the efficacy of such devices regarding their ability to generate greater improvements in core endurance or stability relative to traditional training modalities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a core training program using the AB-Inforcer® device versus a mat-based program on core strength and stability in a healthy adult population. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy volunteers (23±5 yrs; 170.5±10.7 cm; 74.9±18.5 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: 1) a standard mat-based (MT) group, 2) an AB-Inforcer® (AB-I) group, or 3) a control (CON) group with no prescribed treatment. Conditions were matched for sex only (6 men and 6 women in each group), with participation age pre-defined. The MT and AB-I groups performed identical core exercises during a 6-week intervention. Subjects were assessed before and after the training program for core strength and stability using the following tests: 1) flexor endurance test (FE), 2) Biering-Sorenson test (BS), 3) side-bridge tests for the right (SBR) and left (SBL) trunk, and 4) Sahrmann core stability test (SA). RESULTS: A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant main and interaction effects (for time and time by treatment group, respectively) (p<0.05). Post-hoc analyses revealed that the improvement in post-intervention SBR and SBL shown by the AB-I group was significantly greater (p<0.05) than the change observed in the MT and CON groups. The AB-I group also showed significantly greater improvements in FE and SA scores relative to the CON group (p<0.05). SA scores in the AB-I group increased by 28.9% compared to 6.9% in the MT group and a 14% decrease in the CON group. CONCLUSION: The AB-Inforcer® device generated greater improvements in side-bridge scores in this adult population, and non-significant improvements in core stability. Future research using a larger sample size and longer training intervention is suggested to fully evaluate the utility of this device as a training modality.: