Parameters of Suspension Training on Core Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic

Core stability training, operationally defined as training focused to improve trunk and hip control, is an integral part of athletic development, yet little is known about its direct relation to athletic performance. This systematic review focuses on identification of the association between core stability and sports-related performance measures. A secondary objective was to identify difficulties encountered when trying to train core stability with the goal of improving athletic performance. A systematic search was employed to capture all articles related to athletic performance and core stability training that were identified using the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus™ (1982-June 2011). A systematic approach was used to evaluate 179 articles identified for initial review. Studies that performed an intervention targeted toward the core and measured an outcome related to athletic or sport performances were included, while studies with a participant population aged 65 years or older were excluded. Twenty-four in total met the inclusionary criteria for review. Studies were evaluated using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The 24 articles were separated into three groups, general performance (n = 8), lower extremity (n = 10) and upper extremity (n = 6), for ease of discussion. In the majority of studies, core stability training was utilized in conjunction with more comprehensive exercise programmes. As such, many studies saw improvements in skills of general strengths such as maximum squat load and vertical leap. Surprisingly, not all studies reported measurable increases in specific core strength and stability measures following training. Additionally, investigations that targeted the core as the primary goal for improved outcome of training had mixed results. Core stability is rarely the sole component of an athletic development programme, making it difficult to directly isolate its affect on athletic performance. The population biases of some studies of athletic performance also confound the results. Targeted core stability training provides marginal benefits to athletic performance. Conflicting findings and the lack of a standardization for measurement of outcomes and training focused to improve core strength and stability pose difficulties. Because of this, further research targeted to determine this relationship is necessary to better understand how core strength and stability affect athletic performance.

Core stability training, operationally defined as training focused to improve trunk and hip control, is an integral part of athletic development, yet little is known about its direct relation to athletic performance. This systematic review focuses on identification of the association between core stability and sports-related performance measures. A secondary objective was to identify difficulties encountered when trying to train core stability with the goal of improving athletic performance. A systematic search was employed to capture all articles related to athletic performance and core stability training that were identified using the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus™ (1982–June2011). A systematic approach was used to evaluate 179 articles identified for initial review. Studies that performed an intervention targeted toward the core and measured an outcome related to athletic or sport performances were included, while studies with a participant population aged 65 years or older were excluded. Twenty-four in total met the inclusionary criteria for review. Studies were evaluated using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The 24 articles were separated into three groups, general performance (n=8), lower extremity (n=10) and upper extremity (n = 6), for ease of discussion. In the majority of studies, core stability training was utilized in conjunction with more comprehensive exercise programmes. As such, many studies saw improvements in skills of general strengths such as maximum squat load and vertical leap. Surprisingly, not all studies reported measurable increases in specific core strength and stability measures following training. Additionally, investigations that targeted the core as the primary goal for improved outcome of training had mixed results. Core stability is rarely the sole component of an athletic development programme, making it difficult to directly isolate its affect on athletic performance. The population biases of some studies of athletic performance also confound the results. Targeted core stability training provides marginal benefits to athletic performance. Conflicting findings and the lack of a standardization for measurement of outcomes and training focused to improve core strength and stability pose difficulties. Because of this, further research targeted to determine this relationship is necessary to better understand how core strength and stability affect athletic performance.

Background. Core stability (or core strengthening) has become a well-known fitness trend that has started transcending into sports medicine. It has become a common practice to incorporate balance tasks into the training program for athletes who want to improve performance and prevent injuries. Hypothesis. We suggest that core stabilization and balance training with closed eyes will be more effective than training with open eyes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of core stabilization training with open eyes versus closed eyes on balance and stability of young football players. Methods. Fourteen healthy young football players aged 10–12 years were assessed for pre and post core stabilization training using two balance tests: Stork Balance Test (SBT) and Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and one test for core stability ‒ McGill Core Stability Test (MCST). The intervention included twelve twenty-minute training sessions each of them involved six core strengthening exercises. One group performed exercises with open eyes, and another with eyes closed. Results. Core stability exercises with eyes closed as well as the same exercise done with eyes open insignificantly improved dynamic balance and core stability, but significantly improved the static balance of the subjects. Conclusion. After applying training with closed eyes as well as eyes open, core stability and balance of young football players increased insignificantly. There were no significant differences in core stability and balance training between training with eyes open and eyes closed.Keywords: core stabilization training, balance, open eyes, closed eyes.

Although chronic neck pain (CNP) is associated with impairments in balance, the effects of muscle stabilization training are unknown. In this study, we compared the effects of core stabilization (CS) and scapular stabilization (SS) training via telerehabilitation on balance, functionality, pain, and depression in young adults with CNP. In this two-armed, randomized controlled study, we assigned 41 participants with CNP to either a CS (n = 21) or SS (n = 20) group. Both groups underwent stabilization training via telerehabilitation for eight weeks. We evaluated postural stability (PS), limits of stability (LOS), functionality (Neck Disability Index), pain (Visual Analog Scale), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Time × Group interactions were significant on VAS, NDI, PS overall, LOS overall, LOS forward, LOS backward, and LOS right (p < .05). Both groups showed significant improvements over time. However, the SS group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CS group in VAS (p < .001) and NDI (p = .001). On the other hand, the CS group showed significantly greater improvements in PS overall, as well as in various measures of LOS, including overall, forward, backward, and right (p < .05). While both groups showed significant improvements, there were notable differences between them. These findings suggest that SS training is more effective in pain management and functional improvement, while CS training has a stronger impact on balance and stability in young adults with CNP.

Core stability training traditionally uses stable-base techniques. Less is known as to the use of unstable-base techniques, such as suspension training, to activate core musculature. This study sought to assess the neuromuscular activation of global core stabilizers when using suspension training techniques, compared with more traditional forms of isometric exercise. Eighteen elite level, male youth swimmers (age, 15.5 ± 2.3 years; stature, 163.3 ± 12.7 cm; body mass, 62.2 ± 11.9 kg) participated in this study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to determine the rate of muscle contraction in postural musculature, associated with core stability and torso bracing (rectus abdominus [RA], external obliques [EO], erector spinae [ES]). A maximal voluntary contraction test was used to determine peak amplitude for all muscles. Static bracing of the core was achieved using a modified "plank" position, with and without a Swiss ball, and held for 30 seconds. A mechanically similar "plank" was then held using suspension straps. Analysis of sEMG revealed that suspension produced higher peak amplitude in the RA than using a prone or Swiss ball "plank" (p = 0.04). This difference was not replicated in either the EO or ES musculature. We conclude that suspension training noticeably improves engagement of anterior core musculature when compared with both lateral and posterior muscles. Further research is required to determine how best to activate both posterior and lateral musculature when using all forms of core stability training.

Background of the problem: The aging process causes a decrease in the sensory system, musculoskeletal system, and neurological system which will cause balance disorders and also the risk of falling, to reduce these problems, physical activity must be increased, to improve this there are several exercises such as core stability and balance training. Research Objectives: This study aims to determine differences in the effect of core stability training and balance training on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly. Research Methods: The research design was two group pre and post test design. Research Subjects: The subjects in this study were the elderly who were at risk of falling in the Independent Children's Social Service Institution for the Elderly Social Service "Pucang Gading" who met the inclusion criteria. The number of subjects as many as 30 subjects were divided into 2 groups divided by randomization. Group I was given core stability training and group II was given balance training. Fall risk measurement uses the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT). Research Results: The results of different test groups of core stability and balance training post test using the Independent T-Test showed p = 0.00 (p = &lt;0.05). This shows that there is a difference in the effect of core stability training and balance training on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly. The results of the mean difference in the core stability and balance training groups showed that the core stability group was greater than the balance training group. Conclusion: Core stability has more influence on reducing the risk of falling in the elderly than balance training Group

Objectives To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of neck stabilization, core stabilization, and combined stabilization exercises on pain and disability among elderly people in Tehran City, Iran. Methods & Materials This study was a 12 weeks open-label clinical trial. A total of 18 elderly patients with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned into three groups: neck stabilization training (6 people), core stabilization training (6 people), and combined stabilization training (6 people). The severity of neck pain and disability before the beginning of the training, 8 weeks after training and one week after the completion of the exercises were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDI). To investigate the effect of time, repeated measure analysis of variance was used to analyze the data in SPSS version 21. Results The Mean±SD scores of pain before and after neck stabilization treatment were respectively 6.08±0.58, 4.83±0.52 for VAS and 49.17±2.86 and 39.17±2.79 for NDI; and 56.4±2.11 and 50.0±1.64 for NPDI; those differences between pairs were significant. The Mean±SD scores of pain before and after core stabilization treatment were respectively, 6.00±0.55, 4.92±0.20 for VAS; 49.67±1.86 and 39.17 ±1.94 for NDI; and 56.01±2.44, and 48.92±1.16 for NPDI; those differences between pairs were significant. Also, the Mean±SD scores of pain before and after combined stabilization treatment were respectively, 6.00±0.45, 4.00±0.32 for VAS; 49.83±2.23 and 37.17±2.86 for NDI; and 55.25±0.28 and 47.51±1.44 for NPDI; those differences between pairs were significant (P 0.05). Conclusion The findings of this study showed that 12 sessions of neck, core, and combined stabilization training in the neck region could improve the tolerance and pain of the elderly with nonspecific chronic neck pain

Core stabilization training utilizes principles of motor learning to retrain control of the trunk muscles and lead to improvements in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP).To compare the effects of biofeedback sensor and conventional physiotherapist (PT) feedback during core stabilization and activity training in patients with CNLBP.Thirty-eight patients with CNLBP were randomly assigned to Biofeedback (n = 19) or PT feedback (n = 19) groups. Patients continued 12 sessions of combined core stabilization and activity training. An auditory and tactile biofeedback was given using a validated tilt sensor integrated with an application in the Biofeedback group. An experienced PT provided verbal and tactile feedback to maintain the neutral position in the PT Feedback group. The outcomes were; disability (Revised Oswestry Disability Index-RODI), muscle activity (m.transversus abdominis and m.multifidus), pain (Visual Analog Scale-VAS), proprioception error of the trunk, patient beliefs (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-FABQ) and presence of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Index-BDI), and quality of life (Short Form (SF)-36).The main effect of time were statistically significant on VAS, RODI, m.transversus abdominis and m.multifidus muscle activities, flexion, and extension proprioception error of the trunk, FABQ, BDI, and SF-36 scores in Biofeedback and PT feedback groups (p < 0.05 for all). The time X group interaction was significant on flexion and extension proprioception error of the trunk PT feedback group (consecutively; p = 0.004, p = 0.022).Biofeedback sensor or PT feedback during core stabilization training equally improves pain, disability, muscle activity, depressive symptoms, patient beliefs, and quality of life in patients with CNLBP.

<b>Objectives</b> : Core Stability Training (CST) is widely used as a sport training and therapeutic exercise. The current study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of the CST in enhancing dynamic balance (DB) in soccer players. <b>Methods:</b> A convenience sample of 40 professional soccer players with mean age of 18±2 years were divided into 2 groups, experimental and control group (n=20) in each group. The experimental group participants were given CST. Both the experimental and control groups were allowed to follow their normal playing and training schedule. The total study duration was for 4 weeks. Core Stability (CS) and DB outcomes were measured between pre and post intervention at 3 phases using Double Straight Limb Lowering Test (DSLLT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). <b>Results:</b> Overall results revealed significant differences of DB and CS within the experimental group as compared to the control group (p<0.05). The post hoc analysis observed that significant improvement in the DB after the completion of phase-II, however experimental group showed significant improvement in CS even between phaseI and phase-II, however maximum improvement observed after the completion of phase-III (p<0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> CST can be added for enhancing the DB and CS in players in addition to their training sessions. The current study observed that minimum duration of 2 weeks CST requires improving the DB whereas and CS can show improvement even after one week of CST in soccer players.

In recent years, fitness practitioners have increasingly recommended core stability exercises in sports conditioning programs. Greater core stability may benefit sports performance by providing a foundation for greater force production in the upper and lower extremities. Traditional resistance exercises have been modified to emphasize core stability. Such modifications have included performing exercises on unstable rather than stable surfaces, performing exercises while standing rather than seated, performing exercises with free weights rather than machines, and performing exercises unilaterally rather than bilaterally. Despite the popularity of core stability training, relatively little scientific research has been conducted to demonstrate the benefits for healthy athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to critically examine core stability training and other issues related to this topic to determine useful applications for sports conditioning programs. Based on the current literature, prescription of core stability exercises should vary based on the phase of training and the health status of the athlete. During preseason and in-season mesocycles, free weight exercises performed while standing on a stable surface are recommended for increases in core strength and power. Free weight exercises performed in this manner are specific to the core stability requirements of sports-related skills due to moderate levels of instability and high levels of force production. Conversely, during postseason and off-season mesocycles, Swiss ball exercises involving isometric muscle actions, small loads, and long tension times are recommended for increases in core endurance. Furthermore, balance board and stability disc exercises, performed in conjunction with plyometric exercises, are recommended to improve proprioceptive and reactive capabilities, which may reduce the likelihood of lower extremity injuries.

This study aims at evaluating and comparing the effects of cervical stability training to combined cervical and core stability training in patients with neck pain and cervical disc herniation. Fifty patients with neck pain and cervical disc herniation were included in the study, randomly divided into two groups as cervical stability and cervical-core stability. Training was applied three times a week in three phases, and lasted for a total duration of 8weeks. Pain, activation and static endurance of deep cervical flexor muscles, static endurance of neck muscles, cross-sectional diameter of M. Longus Colli, static endurance of trunk muscles, disability and kinesiophobia were assessed. Pain, activation and static endurance of deep cervical flexors, static endurance of neck muscles, cross-sectional diameter of M. Longus Colli, static endurance of trunk muscles, disability and kinesiophobia improved in both groups following the training sessions (p<0.05). Comparison of the effectiveness of these two training methods revealed that the cervical stability group produced a greater increase in the right transverse diameter of M. Longus Colli (p<0.05). However, static endurance of trunk muscles and kinesiophobia displayed better improvement in the cervical-core stability group (p<0.05). Cervical stability training provided benefit to patients with cervical disc herniation. The addition of core stability training did not provide any additional significant benefit. Further research is required to investigate the efficacy of combining other techniques with cervical stability training in patients with cervical disc herniation. Both cervical stability training and its combination with core stability training were significantly and similarly effective on neck pain and neck muscle endurance in patients with cervical disc herniation.

Introduction: This research aimed to compare the effects of the Williams and core stability training on dynamic balance and back pain in women with chronic back pain. Materials and Methods: In total, 45 women with chronic back pain were selected as the available sample and were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 participants, including core stability, Williams, and control. Before the beginning and the end of the training period, the dynamic balance with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and low back pain with Québec Questionnaire was measured. To analyze the obtained data, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in SPSS at P&lt;0.05. Results: The present study findings revealed a significant difference in core stability and Williams training on dynamic balance and improvement in the extent of low back pain in the study participants. There was a significant difference between the training groups in dynamic balance; however, there was no significant difference in the improvement of low back pain between the experimental groups. Conclusion: To improve dynamic balance, a core stability training program is recommended, and Williams’ flexor movements are more appropriate for reducing low back pain.

Background: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of rehabilitation-focused exercise interventions for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD), a leading cause of chronic low back pain. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across international and regional databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID, and Noormags) covering the period from January 2010 to January 2025. The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD420251088811. Using keywords such as "lumbar DDD," "exercise therapy," and "rehabilitation," a total of 2495 records were identified. After screening, 20 studies-including clinical trials, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs-met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Results: Interventions such as hydrotherapy, core stability training, Pilates, and suspension exercises were found to significantly reduce pain and improve functional outcomes. While multimodal approaches (e.g., aquatic exercise combined with acupuncture) showed positive effects, the comparative studies revealed no significant differences between modalities. Suspension training demonstrated superior efficacy in pain reduction compared to isolated core stability exercises. The methodological quality of included studies ranged from good to excellent, with the majority rated as very good or excellent (McMaster scores: 8 "excellent," 7 "very good," and 5 "good"). Common limitations among the studies included methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes (n = 14-30), and insufficient long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Exercise-based rehabilitation is an effective strategy for managing lumbar DDD. Evidence particularly supports the use of suspension training and aquatic therapy for superior improvements in pain and functional outcomes. Future research should aim to adopt standardized protocols, recruit larger sample sizes, and include extended follow-up periods to produce more robust and generalizable findings.

Suspension Training (ST) is a form of resistance training aiming at improving strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility, power, and core stability. Although ST is thought to elicit higher muscle activations than traditional exercises, only limited information is available on its acute effects on strength and power performances. PURPOSE: To evaluate strength and power acute responses after group ST in relation to gender. METHODS: 32 college students (16 M, 16 F; Age: 25.8±3.9years; Body Mass: 65.8±11.2Kg; Height: 166.9±8.9cm; BMI: 23.5±2.4kg/m2) volunteered to participate in the study. Before (PRE) and after (POST) a 45-min ST group session, Squat (SJ) and Countermovement (CMJ) Jumps were performed on a portable force plate, while lower limb Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) at 90° angle isometric knee extension and grip strength (HG) were measured in preferred and non-preferred limbs through a piezoelectric force transducer and a hydraulic hand dynamometer, respectively. ANOVA for repeated measures was use to evaluate differences (p<0.05) in relation to gender and experimental session. RESULTS: As expected, M always showed highest strength and power values (p<0.02). In the POST condition, no significant improvements were found for HG, with best performances (p<0.02) emerging for the preferred limb (M-PRE: 429.3±31.2N; M-POST: 445.7±30.2N; F- PRE: 254.1±12.6N; F- POST: 256.4±13.5N) with respect to the non-preferred one (M-PRE: 399.4±16.2N; M-POST: 407.6±28.6N; F-PRE: 231.7±15.9N; F-POST: 236.1±18.1N). For MVC, only F showed differences between limbs (p<0.02), with highest values in the preferred leg (PRE: 238.8±15.1N; POST: 246.9±20.1N) and lowest in the non-preferred one (PRE: 222.4±19.9N; POST=230.9±14.5 N). After the session, M only showed improvements (p<0.02) in CMJ (PRE: 32.3±1.8cm; POST: 33.7±1.7cm) and MVC for the non-preferred leg (PRE: 276.1±16.6N; POST: 292.4±24.1N), while no differences emerged for SJ. CONCLUSIONS: Results shown that ST is a form of exercise useful to maintain and improve acute strength and power performances, in particular in male subjects. ST could be added in warm-up programs for sports where strength and power are key components.

Context:Enhancing core stability through exercise is common to musculoskeletal injury prevention programs. Definitive evidence demonstrating an association between core instability and injury is lacking; however, multifaceted prevention programs including core stabilization exercises appear to be effective at reducing lower extremity injury rates.Evidence Acquisition:PubMed was searched for epidemiologic, biomechanic, and clinical studies of core stability for injury prevention (keywords: “core OR trunk” AND “training OR prevention OR exercise OR rehabilitation” AND “risk OR prevalence”) published between January 1980 and October 2012. Articles with relevance to core stability risk factors, assessment, and training were reviewed. Relevant sources from articles were also retrieved and reviewed.Results:Stabilizer, mobilizer, and load transfer core muscles assist in understanding injury risk, assessing core muscle function, and developing injury prevention programs. Moderate evidence of alterations in core muscle recruitment and injury risk exists. Assessment tools to identify deficits in volitional muscle contraction, isometric muscle endurance, stabilization, and movement patterns are available. Exercise programs to improve core stability should focus on muscle activation, neuromuscular control, static stabilization, and dynamic stability.Conclusion:Core stabilization relies on instantaneous integration among passive, active, and neural control subsystems. Core muscles are often categorized functionally on the basis of stabilizing or mobilizing roles. Neuromuscular control is critical in coordinating this complex system for dynamic stabilization. Comprehensive assessment and training require a multifaceted approach to address core muscle strength, endurance, and recruitment requirements for functional demands associated with daily activities, exercise, and sport.