Is Mediolateral Head Motion during the Seated Hip Flexion Test and Indoor Cycling Test Associated with Core Stability?

Abstract

Background Appropriate evaluation of core stability is needed to efficiently evaluate the rehabilitative effectiveness of various training programs. Symmetry in mediolateral head motion during the cycling test depends on the core stability status. The seated hip flexion test requires one of the cycling motions. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether symmetry in mediolateral head motion during the seated hip flexion and cycling tests depends on core stability. Study design A cross-sectional study Methods A total of 75 subjects with poor (n=27) or good (n=48) core stability participated in the study. We measured the symmetry in mediolateral head angle during seated hip flexion and cycling tests, and then compared the results between individuals with good and poor core stability. Results There was no significant difference in head motion symmetry during the seated hip flexion test, although the poor core stability group showed greater asymmetry during the cycling test. Conclusions Our findings imply that the indoor cycling test can be used to estimate core stability; however, the seated hip flexion test is not appropriate for evaluating core stability. Proper resistance to lower extremity movements is needed to invoke core stability-dependent head motion in the frontal plane, considering the differences between the seated hip flexion and cycling tests.