Bird Dog Research Articles

Does the Use of Kinetic Link Training and Bird Dog Exercise in Cerebral Palsy Improve Dynamic and Static Balance?

Does the Use of Kinetic Link Training and Bird Dog Exercise in Cerebral Palsy Improve Dynamic and Static Balance?

Gamified delivery of at-home rehabilitation for individuals with nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To measure the change in pain and disability during and after a 6-week gamified delivery of home exercise compared to a take-home packet. Materials and Methods A 6-week at-home exercise protocol included participants randomly allocated to a gamified delivery group or packet group. The exercise protocol included the plank, side plank, foot elevated side plank, dead bug, and bird dog completed until discontinuation. The gamified delivery group received on-demand exercise videos and weekly exercise duration leaderboards. The packet group received a take-home packet. Results Forty participants were randomized into a packet group and leaderboard group, and 30 participants completed the study. Disability was significantly lower at 6-weeks (11.29 ± 9.81%) compared to baseline (15.93 ± 11.65%) in the packet group (χ2(2) =10.89, Z= −3.163, p=.002, r=.708). Percent disability was significantly lower at 6-weeks (8.00 ± 5.91%) compared to baseline (13.01 ± 7.17%) in the gamified delivery group (χ2(2) =13.235, Z= −3.399, p= <.001, r= −0.760). Worst pain was higher at baseline (7.05 ± 1.61%) than at 6-weeks (5.75 ± 1.68%) in the packet group (χ2(2) =8.067, Z = 2.760, p=.006, r= −0.617). Worst pain was higher at baseline (6.90 ± 1.33%) than at 6-weeks (5.24 ± 2.38%) in the gamified delivery group (χ2(2) =6.250, Z= −2.810, p=.005, r= −0.628). No significant difference in the change of disability from baseline to 6 weeks was found between groups (p=.483). Conclusions Core exercises completed until failure may improve disability and pain at 6-weeks and positively influence perceived patient improvement. Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; Registration number: NCT05573932

A Comparison between Core Stability Exercises and Muscle Thickness Using Two Different Activation Maneuvers.

Core stability training is crucial for competitive athletes, individuals who want to improve their health and physical performance, and those undergoing clinical rehabilitation. This study compared the ultrasound (US) muscle thickness of the abdominals and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles between seven popular trunk stability exercises performed using hollowing and bracing maneuvers. Forty-four healthy young adults, aged between 21 and 32 years, performed a plank, bird dog, beast crawl, dead bug, Pilates tap, bridge, and side planks using the bracing and the hollowing maneuver. The thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and LM muscles was measured simultaneously using two ultrasound machines. Analysis of variance designs indicated that during hollowing, the bird dog and side plank exercises resulted in the greatest increase in the muscle's relative thickness overall. The relative thickness of all muscles was significantly greater (p < 0.001) during hollowing (22.7 ± 7.80 to 106 ± 24.5% of rest) compared to bracing (18.7 ± 7.40 to 87.1 ± 20.9% of rest). The TrA showed the greatest increase in thickness (p < 0.001) compared to the IO and LM. Additionally, the IO had a greater increase in thickness (p < 0.001) than the LM. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the bird dog and side plank exercises, when performed with hollowing, showed the most significant total muscle thickness increase. Notably, the hollowing maneuver enhances the thickness of the TrA, IO, and LM muscles more than the bracing maneuver. This contributes to the discussion on optimal strategies for dynamic core stabilization.

Ipsilateral versus contralateral static endurance- balance abilities among healthy college students

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the association and the difference, if any, between the levels of the contralateral and between the levels of the ipsilateral sides during static endurance-balance exercise. MethodsOne hundred twelve healthy active- college students (55 females and 57 males) participated in this cross-sectional study. Each participant performed the contralateral (raising one arm and opposite-side leg) quadruped bird dog exercise and balanced in static condition. Side bridge exercise was performed from lying on your side then engaging your core muscles and lifting your upper body and hips off the ground, maintaining a straight line and holding this position as long as tolerated. ResultsWilcoxon signed rank test showed significant difference (p = 0.004) between the contralateral right and left quadruped bird dog but insignificant difference (p = 0.059) between the ipsilateral right and left side bridge endurance-balance exercises. Mann–Whitney U test showed that the holding time was significant across gender for the contralateral but was insignificant for the ipsilateral endurance-balance exercise. Mann–Whitney U test was insignificant (p > 0.05) between those being recreationally active or inactive. Kruskal–Wallis test revealed insignificant difference between body mass index categories. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient showed strong positive correlation equals 0.85 and 0.75 (p < 0.001) of the contralateral quadruped bird dog and the ipsilateral side bridge exercises respectively. ConclusionsA significant difference was observed for contralateral, while no significant difference was found for ipsilateral endurance-balance abilities. Therefore, clinicians and rehab specialist should consider these findings when assessing the endurance-balance abilities to properly devise appropriate exercise progression of different trunk stabilizers.

Effects of an 8-week pre-season targeted training on sprinting performance, agility and lower limb muscular asymmetries in elite soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8 week targeted training program on speed, agility, and muscle asymmetries in soccer players. 32 elite soccer players were recruited for the study. Their age, body mass, and body height were 25.8 ± 7.3 years, 77.4 ± 11.1 kg, and 177.5 ± 9.8 cm, respectively. After the warm-up, participants performed two maximum 30 m sprints with a 5-minute rest interval between trials. After the linear sprint test, performed two repetitions of the COD randomized ZigZag test. The tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the pre-season, which lasted for 8 weeks. EMG was measured bilaterally from the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles with shorts made of knitted fabric similar to elastic clothes. Athletes in the experimental group performed sport-specific targeted strength training based on movement patterns 4 times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). The training included 6 bodyweight exercises (Bird Dog, Single-Leg Glute Bridge, Dead Bug, Side Plank, Reverse Lunge, and Clamshell), performed unilaterally in 5 sets of 10 repetitions of each exercise. The load progression included an additional set in each successive week of the experiment. The data analysis showed significant improvement in 5 m and 30 m sprints after applying the 8-week targeted training protocol. A statistically significant improvement in performance was also observed after the 8-week training period in case of COD, while the speed deficit also decreased significantly. The greatest improvements were observed during the COD test. As a result of repeated COD training over a period of 8 weeks, its technique was improved. Implementation of training methods, which target specific aspects of soccer in the pre-season training routines can improve key motor abilities for that sports discipline. A comprehensive training approach including speed, agility, and resistance training based on specific movement patterns should be applied by strength and conditioning practitioners in soccer teams to achieve peak physical performance and reduce injury risk due to the partial elimination of muscular asymmetries.

The correlation between pregnancy-related low back pain and physical fitness evaluated by an index system of maternal physical fitness test.

To investigate incidence of pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP), evaluate physical fitness objectively during pregnancy and analyze the correlation between LBP and physical fitness of pregnant women, 180 pregnant women including 101 in mid-gestation (14-28 gestational weeks) and 79 in late-gestation (28-37 gestational weeks) were recruited and self-reported their LBP. The aerobic ability such as cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic ability including strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and balance were evaluated by a novel materal physical fitness test system. The correlation between LBP and each component in physical fitness test system was analyzed in SPSS. As the results, 135 out of 180 participants (75% of total) had pregnancy-related LBP. Physical fitness of participants in late-gestation was significantly weaker including weaker back strength (p<0.05), less resistance band pullbacks in 30s (p<0.01), less stretching in sit-and-reach test (p<0.001), shorter duration in left legged blind balance test (p<0.05) and weaker bird dog balance(p<0.05) than those in mid-gestation. Correlation analysis indicated that LBP was negatively associated with standing heel raises in 20s (p<0.01) and standing glute kickbacks in 30s (left p<0.01, right p<0.05). Thus, it is concluded that LBP is in high prevalence throughout the entire pregnant course. The pregnant women are prone to have weakened strength of core muscle groups and poorer flexibility and balance along the pregnancy. In addition, their LBP was negatively correlated to strength of back muscle groups of lower limbs.

Shoulder and Scapular Muscle Activity During Low and High Plank Variations With Different Body-Weight-Bearing Statuses.

Can, EN, Harput, G, and Turgut, E. Shoulder and scapular muscle activity during low and high plank variations with different body-weight-bearing statuses. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 245-252, 2024-This study investigated the activation levels and activation ratios of shoulder and scapular muscles during low plank (LP) and high plank (HP) variations, with varying levels of body-mass support, including 4-point, 3-pod, and 2-point body-weight-bearing (BWB) statuses. The study was conducted with 21 healthy men (mean ± SD , 26 ± 6.5 years of age and 24.4 ± 2.4 kg·m -2 BMI). Ten different plank exercises were performed in a mixed order by changing elbow joint positions (LP and HP) and BWB statuses (2-point, 3-pod, and 4-point). Activation levels of the lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), upper trapezius (UT), biceps brachii, triceps brachii, infraspinatus, and serratus anterior (SA) muscles were assessed with a surface electromyography device. Results of this study showed that elbow position changes resulted in higher LT ( p = 0.01) and TB ( p = 0.001) activation in HP exercises. In general, it was observed that an increase in BWB status was effective in increasing activation for the scapula and shoulder girdle muscles. The ratios of the UT muscle to the SA, LT, and MT muscles were less than 1 during side plank, bird dog, front reach, shoulder taps, and plank with shoulder external rotation exercises. High plank with toe touch exercise resulted in a marked increase in the UT activation. Therefore, it was concluded plank variations alter activation levels and activation ratios of shoulder and scapular muscles. Plank exercises may be used in shoulder rehabilitation and the progression in plank variations can be achieved by changing elbow position and BWB status based on individual requirements.

Optimizing normalization methods of the external oblique: A cross-sectional study.

Adequate normalization methodology to establish maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) is needed to compare %MVIC values for core exercise completed until discontinuation. Clinicians can use %MVIC classifications to guide their preventative and rehabilitative exercise interventions. The aim of this study was to compare %MVIC of the external oblique (EO) between normalization techniques of side-lying lateral trunk flexion and Roman chair lateral trunk flexion. Twenty-two participants completed two MVIC techniques followed by one repetition of the prone bridge plank (PBP), torso elevated side plank (TESP), foot elevated side plank (FESP), dead bug and bird dog. The average %MVIC during the first 5-seconds, last 5-seconds and overall duration of exercise were included for analysis. ANOVA was used to compare normalized %MVIC from each of the 5 exercises between MVIC techniques. Alpha set a priori p= 0.05. The side-lying table technique yielded no %MVIC values above 100%, while the Roman chair technique produced 7 values above 100%. The largest mean difference between techniques was during the last 5-seconds of the torso elevated side plank (57.87 ± 38.51%MVIC, p< 0.001). The side-lying table technique likely provides the optimal methodology of %MVIC determination.

Electromyographic and Stabilometric Analysis of the Static and Dynamic "Standing Bird Dog" Exercise.

(1) Background: The "bird dog" exercise is considered one of the most effective therapeutic exercises for lumbopelvic rehabilitation and the prevention and treatment of low back pain. The "standing bird dog" (SBD) exercise, executed in a single-leg stance, constitutes a natural and challenging variation in the "bird dog"; nevertheless, this exercise has not yet been investigated. This study provides a stabilometric and electromyographic analysis of the SBD performed in static and dynamic conditions and in ipsilateral and contralateral variations; (2) Methods: A time-synchronized motion capture system, wireless electromyography sensors, and triaxial force platform were used to analyze the selected SBD exercises; (3) Results: In dynamic conditions, the gluteus maximum, multifidus, lumbar erector spinae, and gluteus medius reached a mean activation level higher than in the static condition, with peak activation levels of 80%, 60%, 55%, and a 45% maximum voluntary isometric contraction, respectively. In the static condition, balance control was more challenging in the mediolateral compared to the anteroposterior direction. In the dynamic condition, the balance challenge was higher in the anteroposterior direction and higher than the static condition in both directions; (4) Conclusions: The SBD was proved to be effective for strengthening the hip and lumbar extensor muscles and provided a powerful challenge to single-leg balance control in both mediolateral and anteroposterior directions.

A meta-transcriptomic study of mosquito virome and blood feeding patterns at the human-animal-environment interface in Guangdong Province, China

Mosquitoes are a formidable reservoir of viruses and important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Blood-fed mosquitoes have been utilized to determine host infection status, overcoming the difficulties associated with sampling from human and animal populations. Comprehensive surveillance of potential pathogens at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment is currently an accredited method to provide an early warning of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases and to proactively respond to them. Herein we performed comprehensive sampling of mosquitoes from seven habitats (residential areas, hospital, airplane, harbor, zoo, domestic sheds, and forest park) across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. Our aim was to characterize the viral communities and blood feeding patterns at the human-animal-environment interface and analyze the potential risk of cross-species transmission using meta-transcriptomic sequencing. 1898 female adult mosquitoes were collected, including 1062 Aedes and 836 Culex mosquitoes, of which approximately 12% (n = 226) were satiated with blood. Consequently, 101 putative viruses were identified, which included DNA and RNA viruses, and positive-stranded RNA viruses (+ssRNA) were the most abundant. According to viral diversity analysis, the composition of the viral structure was highly dependent on host species, and Culex mosquitoes showed richer viral diversity than Aedes mosquitoes. Although the virome of mosquitoes from different sampling habitats showed an overlap of 39.6%, multiple viruses were specific to certain habitats, particularly at the human-animal interface. Blood meal analysis found four mammals and one bird bloodmeal source, including humans, dogs, cats, poultry, and rats. Further, the blood feeding patterns of mosquitoes were found to be habitat dependent, and mosquitoes at the human-animal interface and from forests had a wider choice of hosts, including humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife, which in turn considerably increases the risk of spillover of potential zoonotic pathogens. To summarize, we are the first to investigate the virome of mosquitoes from multiple interfaces based on the One Health concept. The characteristics of viral community and blood feeding patterns of mosquitoes at the human-animal-environment interface were determined. Our findings should support surveillance activities to identify known and potential pathogens that are pathogenic to vertebrates.

Virtual reality balance training versus core stability exercises on balance in patients with unilateral lymphedema

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects between Wii fit balance board and core stability exercises on balance dysfunction in patients with unilateral lymphedema. Method: Sixty patients (women) aged 40-60 years with grade 1 or 2 lymphedema were randomly assigned into the following two groups. Group A received the Wii fit balanced exercises for three times per week for four weeks as total treatment duration in form of (Ski Slalom, Advanced Skiing, Ski Jumping followed by Header and Jump Rope).; Group B received core stability exercises for 4 weeks (3times/week) in form of {1- Abdominal bracing (10 repetitions x10 second holds), 2- Curl up (3 sets x 10 repetitions), 3- Supine bridge (3 sets x 10 repetitions), 4- Supine unilateral bridge (3 sets x 10 repetitions for each leg), 5- Plank (3 sets x 10 repetitions) and 6- Bird dog (3 sets x 10 repetitions for each limb)}. Balance was determined using time up and go (TUG) and Wii fit results by using the Wii fit balance board. Balance was measured before and 4 weeks after the treatment program.

Can Knee Joint Flexion Position of the Raised Lower Limb Affect Trunk Muscle Activation During Bird Dog Exercise in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain?

Can Knee Joint Flexion Position of the Raised Lower Limb Affect Trunk Muscle Activation During Bird Dog Exercise in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain?

Birds, dogs, and humankind in Olmsted’s ‘Bramble’: a story of Central Park

: This paper addresses issues of race, species, and kind through an incident that took place 25 May 2020, when a birder and a dog owner crossed path in the Ramble of New York’s Central Park. The birder, a gay Black man, was searching for scarlet tanagers and other songbirds. The dog owner, a white woman, was walking Henry, her blond cocker. The birder asked the dog owner to leash her spaniel, a bird dog, as required by park rules. The dog owner called 911, reporting that an ‘African-American man was putting her in danger’. There is a pre-history to their encounter. Our dubious guide is John James Audubon, whose Ornithological Biography presents haunting scenes of life out of doors, the ramble, or the hunt, and how humans and animals prey upon each other. But the decisive voice is that of Frederic Law Olmsted, who not only designed Central Park (with Calvert Vaux), but also provided the moral and ethical code for its police force. Once it is shown how all the actors (human and animal) and the setting are in fact ‘related,’ it is the presence of the police in the park that must be explained.

Comparison of linea alba length and core-muscles engagement during core and lower back orientated exercises

BackgroundA comparison of Linea Alba (LA) length and engagement of the Transverse Abdominis (TrA), External Oblique (EO) and Internal Oblique (IO) between core-orientated and lower back orientated exercises (e.g. glute bridge and hip extension) is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the length of the LA and the engagement of TrA, EO and IO when performing the prone plank, bird dog, dead bug, lateral plank, glute bridge and hip extension. MethodsThirteen apparently healthy participants volunteered to this study. Ultrasound scanning of the anterior and antero-lateral abdominal walls at baseline and whilst performing prone plank, bird dog, dead bug, lateral plank, glute bridge and hip extension exercises was performed. LA length and thickness of the TrA, EO and IO were measured from ultrasound images. ResultsLA length (p = 0.77) and TrA thickness (p = 0.23) were not different between exercises. EO thickness was larger for the lateral plank compared to the bird dog (p = 0.01, d = 1.73), glute bridge (p < 0.01, d = 2.64), and hip extension (p < 0.01, d = 1.89). The dead bug was also larger in comparison to the glute bridge (p < 0.01, d = 2.05) and to the hip extension (p = 0.01, d = 1.45). For the IO thickness, the lateral plank was larger than the bird dog (p = 0.03, d = 1.21) and the dead bug (p = 0.04, d = 1.12). ConclusionNo difference was observed between exercises for the length of the LA or for the thickness of the TrA, which suggests that this muscle is similarly engaged in the assessed exercises, leading to a consistent stretch for the LA.

Are Core Stability Tests Related to Single Leg Squat Performance in Active Females?

Core stability (CS) deficits can have a significant impact on lower limb function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between two dynamic core exercise assessments and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squats. In total, 20 physically active female students participated in this study. The OCTOcore smartphone application assesses CS during two dynamic exercise tests, the partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) test and the bird-dog (BD) test. A two-dimensional assessment of a single-leg squat test was used to quantify participants’ hip frontal angle (HFASLS) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPASLS). Ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated through the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test. The correlational analyses indicated that the HFASLS was significantly related to the partial range single-leg deadlift test (r = 0.314, p < 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (r = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the CS test between cases categorised as dynamic knee valgus (>10°) and normal (≤10°). The CS deficit may influence the neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during single-leg movements. The link between CS and kinematic factors related to knee injuries was only observed when CS was measured in the SLD test but not in the BD test.

Novel side pose classification model of stretching gestures using three-layer LSTM

In recent years, low back pain rehabilitation exercises have been widely performed for spine-related illnesses. To facilitate rehabilitation exercises, pose-based human action recognition technique is used to determine human movement from simple videos. Herein, we propose a new stretching side pose classification system using three-layer long short-term memory (LSTM) that can be used in rehabilitation therapy systems. Four types of rehabilitation treatment exercises are selected: bird dog, cat camel, cobra stretch, and pelvic tilt. Features selected based on the high frequency of use for each exercise resulted in improved classification. Consequently, the recognition rate of the selected feature is 97.50%, as classified by the three-layer LSTM model.

Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

Effect of battle rope training on functional movements in young adults

Introduction and Aim: The battle rope exercise had obtained highest peak and mean VO2, highest energy expenditure and highest exercise heart rate than other exercises. There is no related evidence for Battle rope exercises by screening functional movement. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of battle rope training on functional movement screening. &#x0D; Methodology: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 subjects were selected. They were explained about the safety and simplicity of the procedure and by the lottery system they were divided into two groups with 15 subjects in each group. Each subject has undergone pre-test and post-test measurement of functional movement screening (FMS). Group A participants did regular set of floor exercises like pelvic bridging, bird dog exercise, cat and camel exercise for 4 weeks. Group B participants did pelvic bridging, bird dog exercise, cat and camel exercise and battle rope training for 4 weeks. The data collected and tabulated, were statistically analysed. Functional movements: 7patterns of functional movements include deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, rotary stability, active straight leg raise, shoulder mobility, and trunk stability push-up.&#x0D; Results: The result of this study were statistically significant in FMS pretest and posttest with the p values (p&lt;0.0001). Between the posttest mean and standard deviation of FMS of both group A and group B are 14.53(2.78), and15.43 (2.60) respectively. And there was a significant difference among the values (p &gt;0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that battle rope training is better than traditional floor exercises in improving functional movements among young adults because of its simulation of functional movement patterns.

Comparison of the recruitment of transverse abdominis through drawing-in and bracing in different core stability training positions.

There are many proposed core stability exercises in a variety of positions; however, it is not clear that in which position, activation of transverse abdominis muscle is utmost. We aimed to compare the activation of transverse abdominis muscle in different core stability exercise positions through ultrasound imaging. in a 20 subjects’ study we compared the effectiveness of drawing-in and bracing maneuvers on transverse abdominis in different core stability exercise positions (supine, hook lying, supine with 90° flexed knee and hip, supine with stretched knees and 90° flexed hips, bridge, bridge with one stretched knee and Bird dog). We used activation ratio and preferential activation ratio as measurements of transverse abdominis activation. Abdominal Bracing in the bridge position showed the highest activation of transverse abdominis (P<0.05). The results showed significantly higher activation of transverse abdominis, measured by preferential activation ratio, in bridge position during abdominal bracing.

Activation of Scapular and Lumbopelvic Muscles During Core Exercises Executed on a Whole-Body Wobble Board.

Previous studies highlighted that exercises executed on unstable surfaces can yield important benefits to the function of the core musculature in rehabilitation settings, general conditioning settings, and athletic training when properly introduced within a periodized training schedule. No previous study has analyzed core-stability exercises executed in lying, quadruped, plank, and bridge positions on a whole-body wobble board (WWB) specifically designed to accommodate the exerciser's entire body and promote whole-body instability. We have designed a WWB allowed to roll in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to promote proactive and reactive activation of the core muscles with a transverse or diagonal line of action, which provides trunk and pelvic stability with low spine compression forces. To determine the effect of the use of this newly designed WWB by assessing differences in core-muscle activity during core-stability exercises performed on the ground, in a stable condition, and on the WWB. Controlled laboratory study. Research laboratory. Eighteen participants recruited from fitness centers. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of lumbopelvic and scapular muscles has been recorded during core-stability exercises executed on the WWB (unstable condition) and on ground (stable condition). Mean and peak EMG activity were compared between stable and unstable condition with paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Overall, exercises performed on the WWB yielded significantly higher EMG activity in the serratus anterior and anterolateral abdominal muscles compared with the same exercises executed on the ground. Conversely, for the bird dog exercise, lower-back muscle activity was significantly higher on the ground. Compared with the ground, core-stability exercises executed on WWB constitute a simple and effective strategy to increase the activity level of the core muscles that control transverse-plane lumbopelvic and trunk stability, avoiding the use of external overload.