The Relationship between Core Muscle Stability and Balance in Yoga

Abstract

Core muscle stability includes the strength and endurance of the flexor and extensor muscles present at deep inside of the trunk region of our body which is considered as an important factor for sports performance. Purpose of the study was to assess the correlation between balance and core muscle stability of the yoga practicing women in college level. Sixteen (16) inter college level yoga women were agreed to take part in the study as subject. Dynamic balance was measured by Modified Bass Test, Static balance was measured by Standing Stork Test and Core muscle stability was measured by four different tests – Side Bridge Test Left (SBTL), Side Bridge Test Right (SBTR), Back Extensor Test (BET) and Flexor Endurance Test (FET).The entire tests considered in this study were standard tests. Mean and standard deviation were computed as descriptive statistics and coefficient of correlation (r) was computed by Pearson Product Moment method. Only 0.05 level has been considered to judge the significance of the study. All statistical calculations were done by using standard statistical software (Excel-2007). Results revealed that dynamic balance has positive correlation with SBT Left (r=0.300), SBT right (r=0.255), BET(r=0.287) and FET (r=0.408). Static balance has also positive correlation with SBT Left (r=0.559), SBT Right (=0.154), BET (r=0.095) and FET (r=0.007). All the computed values of coefficient of correlation (r) in this study found statistically insignificant except SBTL with static balance which is statistically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that core muscle stability have a little impact on dynamic and static balance among college level women who practice yoga regularly.