MEASURING CORE STRENGTH AND CORE STABILITY

Abstract

Core strength and core stability have become buzzwords in the development of training programs for not only individuals with low-back pain (LBP) but also asymptomatic athletes. Although there are numerous means to test the strength of the musculature of the trunk that serves as the basis for core strength and stability, these tests typically do not consider the neuromuscular control element that is crucial to these variables. The Stabilometer was originally developed by Lafayette Instrument Co. to measure standing balance; however, its extreme sensitivity permits registration of any deviation from motionless posturing. Because of these attributes, and because it is of sufficient size to evaluate balance in quadruped-based positions used in core stability training, the ability to perform such activities on a Stabilometer should be a good indicator of core strength/stability. PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of using the Stabilometer to evaluate subject ability to perform select core strength training activities. METHODS: The subjects were 22 asymptomatic university students (10m, 12f). Each subject did three repetitions of six core strength tasks (static and dynamic balance from 3 and 4- point quadruped positions, the supine dead bug exercise, and a bridging task). The data collected included (a) time in balance for each of the 6 tests (i.e., 3 30s trials for each for a total of 18 30s trials) and (b) subject perceived difficulty for each of the 6-balance tests. RESULTS: The findings that were of particular interest include: (a) females performed better than males on all 6-tests (significantly so one of the 3-point balance tests), (b) male perceived exertion was greater than that of females on five of the six tests but on only one was the difference significant, and (c) the highest score for both genders was on the bridging task but for males this task was rated as being the most difficult. CONCLUSIONS: The Stabilometer tests used appear to present reliable and effective measures of the construct of core strength and stability and warrant further study.