Core Muscle Strength Research Articles

Impact of core muscle strengthening on knee pain, patient outcomes, physical function, and cartilage thickness in knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative condition that significantly impacts individuals, causing disability. Routine rehabilitation methods primarily involve knee and hip strengthening exercises. While there is limited evidence supporting the potential benefits of core muscle strengthening in KOA rehabilitation, further research is needed to examine the effects of a structured core muscle strengthening protocol on pain, functional abilities, quality of life, and knee cartilage health. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial seeks to investigate the impact of integrating core muscle strengthening into routine rehabilitation. The study will randomly assign 80 participants to either routine rehabilitation or experimental groups, with both groups receiving routine rehabilitation combined with core strengthening exercises in the experimental group over a twelve-week period. The outcomes measured will include pain levels, patient-reported outcomes, physical functional abilities, core muscle and leg muscle strength, and cartilage height of the femur and tibia. Follow-up assessments will occur in the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. This novel study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of core strengthening in KOA rehabilitation, potentially influencing rehabilitation approaches and managing disease progression.•Incorporating core muscle strengthening into routine rehabilitation for KOA could open new possibilities for KOA management.•This study employs outcome measures recommended by OARSI for a thorough evaluation.•Additionally, it will investigate the impact on cartilage health, offering fresh insights into disease progression and the effects of exercise

Clinical application of myofascial therapy in the treatment of postpartum pain-related functional disorders: A review.

During pregnancy, fetal growth could lead to changes in human biomechanics. If postpartum recovery was not properly managed, it could be exacerbated, resulting in myofascial system disorders and various functional impairments. Among them, pain-related functional disorders were an important issue affecting quality of life in postpartum women. The pathogenesis of these disorders remained unclear but it was primarily associated with changes in biomechanics, the endocrine system, and nervous function. However, postpartum pain-related dysfunction had been considered a normal physiological response to childbirth, leading to a lack of attention. Therefore, many postpartum women failed to receive timely, effective, and standardized treatment, hindering their ability to reintegrate into family and society, and causing severe damage to their physical and mental health. In clinical practice, myofascial therapy could effectively alleviate postpartum pain and muscle spasms, improve excessive tension injuries in myofascial, and had a good therapeutic effect on postpartum pain-related functional disorders. The mechanism of myofascial therapy involved improving core muscle strength, restoring normal body alignment, and promoting the remodeling of myofascial mechanical structures. This article explored the positive effects of myofascial therapy on postpartum pain-related functional disorders from a biomechanical perspective, aiming to provide diverse treatment approaches for clinical practitioners.

Free-Weight Resistance Training Enhances Core Muscle Strength but Does Not Translate to Improved Athletic Performance in Adolescent Canoe/Kayak Athletes.

While previous evidence has shown that using free weights for resistance training is a more practical approach to enhancing strength, there is a relatively low prevalence of free-weight resistance training among adolescent kayak/canoe athletes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of free-weight resistance training on body composition and various performance factors among adolescent canoe/kayak athletes. Twenty-seven young sprint kayakers and canoeists (14 ± 1 years; 164 ± 7 cm; 56 ± 8 kg) completed this study. Following baseline assessments, athletes were randomly divided into two training groups: the free-weight resistance training group (FW) or the control group (C). The FW group underwent free-weight resistance training sessions twice weekly for 24 weeks. The C group maintained their regular bodyweight training sessions during the same timeframe. All participants performed both the pre- and post-training assessments for the following dependent variables: body composition, upper-body power, upper-body isometric muscle strength, isometric mid-thigh pull, core strength, countermovement jump, balance, anaerobic ability, and aerobic performance. After 24 weeks of training, the free-weight resistance training group exhibited a significant increase in body weight (from 56 ± 5 kg to 58 ± 4 kg, p < 0.05) and improvements in the number of straight leg raise repetitions (from 23 ± 6 to 26 ± 4, p < 0.05) compared to the control group. However, the two groups observed no significant differences between upper-body isometric muscle strength, power, balance, and anaerobic/aerobic performance. A 24-week training duration might be insufficient for novice participants in resistance training. Future research should consider incorporating an adaptation period or a learning phase for movements before training, thereby enhancing the efficacy of free-weight resistance training in increasing strength.

Literature review of specific techniques in catching and throwing in infield defense in baseball - retrospective article

&lt;p&gt;目的：內野手可以是整個棒球守備的核心，棒球守備各階段全身上下的協調，有許多值得探討的專項技巧。方法：本研究使用Google scholar，以Baseball infielder、內野、野球守備、內野捕球、守備ゴロ等關鍵字，搜尋台灣、日本、美國三國關於棒球內野守備專項技巧的文獻做歸納，以不同角度探討內野守備的專項技巧：一、內野守備接球，二、內野守備傳球，三、守備的分期與各分期之動作控制。結果：本篇回顧性論文發現，一、移動腳步到好接球的彈跳點是良好守備的關鍵。二、減少軸心腳在接球位置上的變化和較為前面的接球點，對於接球的穩定性至關重要，甚至會影響到後續傳球的動能。三、精簡接傳的動作相較於增加傳球球速可能可以更能有效減少整體守備時間。四、優秀選手在接球的過程中會儘早讓軸心腳著地，並前期和中期將重心保留在軸心腳。五、內野手傳球在前導腳接觸時，軀幹向後扭轉和肘部伸展角度都會比投手小。結論：無論是接球前腳步移動的節奏和精確性，還是接球時的接球點和接短彈跳的能力，甚至是軀幹和骨盆前傾的時機點，對於內野守備過程都產生一定的影響。建議在日常練習時，就能將接短彈跳、腳步移動，納入訓練課表中，並且在動作過程中，加以檢視軀幹的姿勢，方能在比賽時擁有良好的守備表現。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The standing throw with run-up is the best approach to evaluate the performance of energy transfer and the efficiency of throwing motions for handball players. Purpose: This research aims at analyzing the usage of the standing throw with run-up among the handball players in Taiwan. The roles of body kinematics, strength of core muscles and standing balance of the drive leg played in the standing throw with run-up are also discussed. Methods: Nine Division I handball players from college went through a series of tests. The motions and the speed of the handball throwing were detected by a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis system and a sports radar gun, respectively. The maximum isometric muscle strength of trunks and hips were measured by a torque sensor and a home-made device of strength measurement. The standing balance of the drive leg was measured by a force plate with a mat. Results: The maximal shoulder external rotation angle in the arm cocking phase, the maximal trunk rotation velocity in the arm acceleration phase and the maximal shoulder horizontal adduction velocity showed moderate positive relationships with the ball velocity. The strength of back muscles had a moderate negative relationship with the ball velocity. The correlation between the balance ability of the drive leg and the ball velocity was not observed. Conclusion: The importance of proximal segments to the standing throw with run-up is analyzed by kinematical analysis. It is suggested that the energy of handball throwing is generated by the upper extremities or other limb segments in the processes of the standing throw with run-up. Our findings can serve as a helpful reference for both coaches and players.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Comparison of Core Endurance, Strength, Power, Balance and Flexibility in Young Elite Sailors

Aim: This study examines and compares the core endurance levels, balance performance, muscle strength, and flexibility among young elite saiflors in different sailing classes. Method: Athletes were randomly selected from the Galatasaray Sailing Club and divided into three groups: windsurfing (n=14), optimist (n=13), and laser class (n=13). Demographic features, body mass index, and dominant side of the body were recorded. Upper extremity strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer, while lower extremity power was evaluated through vertical jump, standing long jump, and single-leg jump tests. Core endurance was evaluated with sit-up, plank, and rotary stability tests. Balance and flexibility were assessed using Y balance, straight leg raise, shoulder flexibility, sit and reach, shoulder elevation, and total body rotation tests. The data from the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and inter-group comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Significant differences were observed among the groups in the hand grip test for both right and left hands (p&amp;lt;0.001). The laser group displayed the highest mean value. The standing long jump test also showed a significant difference between the groups (p&amp;lt;0.05), with the laser group exhibiting the highest mean value. The single-leg jump test revealed a significant difference among the groups (p&amp;lt;0.05), with the windsurfing group having the highest average. The Y balance test indicated a significant difference among the groups (p&amp;lt;0.05), with the optimist group displaying the highest average values. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that each sailing class necessitates distinct physical attributes and specific performance parameters, particularly in terms of strength and balance.

Can Complex Training Improve Acute and Long-Lasting Performance in Basketball Players? A Systematic Review

Basketball demands a sophisticated blend of tactical, technical, physical, and psychological skills, and various methods have been proposed to prepare players for these demands, including resistance training to enhance strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance. Complex training (CT) integrates diverse strength training methodologies by combining heavy-resistance exercises (e.g., squat at 90% of one repetition maximum) with high-velocity movements or plyometrics, both sharing the same biomechanical pattern. However, the optimal application of CT in basketball remains uncertain due to diverse protocols and a lack of consensus in the literature. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of CT interventions on physical fitness performance in basketball players and identify the most effective characteristics of moderators. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using the PICOS strategy. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, three articles analyzed acute effects, and thirteen analyzed chronic effects. The total number of participants in the studies analyzing acute effects was 50, while for studies examining chronic effects, it was 362. Conclusions: Acutely, CT triggers post-activation potentiation and enhances sprint performance when coupled with brief rest intervals. Over time, these acute improvements contribute to more substantial, long-lasting benefits. Chronic effects of CT improve strength, as evidenced by enhanced 1 RM performance, jumps, sprints, and core muscle strength.

The effect of an 8-week fitness regime on low back pain and core strength in high-risk professionals.

Low back pain is prevalent among various populations and greatly impacts their quality of life. Professions that incorporate several working hours combined with heavy labor are the most affected. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week core training intervention in emergency personnel. Sixteen randomly selected male participants; police officers (N.=8) and firefighters (N.=8) (mean age: 40.75 years; mean height: 177.69 cm; mean body mass: 85.50 kg) performed various testing procedures that assessed core muscle strength and endurance and filled the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire regarding the level of low back pain before and after the intervention. The 8-week intervention consisted of two 45-60-minute sessions per week that included ten core-related exercises. Statistical analysis; paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, demonstrated significant effects in the 30-sec sit-up test, the Double Leg Lowering Test and the isometric abdominal strength measurements; p value level of significance was set at P≤0.05. All participants had minimal lower back disability before and after the intervention. The results demonstrated that the prescribed regime could improve core strength and endurance in high-risk professionals. The most important finding is that training interventions for emergency personnel are most effective when they incorporate a variety of exercises that target the core musculature in all planes of movement and engage the whole range of motion.

Comparison between abdominal core muscle strength in males with and without frozen shoulder: A pilot study

Background: The impact of adhesive capsulitis starts from the structures surrounding the shoulder complex and extends to overall deconditioning and affects neuromuscular control due to reduced daily living activities which may be passed along further in the kinetic chain. Context: Studies show there may be a certain link between core muscle activation and shoulder function, however, the literature is scanty in this regard. Aims: To compare the abdominal core muscle strength in males with and without frozen shoulder. Settings and Design: In this observational comparative study, 20 males (40-60 yrs) from a tertiary care hospital visiting the physiotherapy department for the treatment of frozen shoulder were included along with age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) matched healthy controls. Methods and Material: Abdominal core muscle strength was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit while progressive limb loading was performed. Statistical analysis used: The ordinal data was compared using SPSS Version 24 and Man Whitney U and Wilcoxon W were obtained. Results: The abdominal core muscle strength of male patients with frozen shoulder was weaker compared with healthy controls (p &gt; 0.0001) Conclusions: The abdominal core muscle strength was significantly weaker in the males with frozen shoulder compared to age, BMI and WHR matched healthy controls. Thus Inclusion of core muscle strengthening in the rehabilitation of patients with frozen shoulder may lead to better outcomes in rehabilitation.

The importance of core strength for change of direction speed.

Change of direction speed (CODS) is determined by several physical aspects, such as linear sprint speed, reactive strength and power of leg muscles. It appears that core strength may also play a role in CODS, however, its relationship to CODS remains unclear. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the literature addressing a) the relationship between core strength and CODS and b) the effect of core strength training on CODS. This analysis revealed a significant relationship between the parameters of core strength and stability (the pressure of the activated core muscles during lower limb movement and the greatest mean force output of maximum volunteered contraction) and the time in the Agility T-Test. However, this parameter was not significantly related to the strength endurance of core muscles (total time in the plank test). Core training provides a sufficient stimulus for the development of CODS in less-skilled middle-adolescent athletes, while its effectiveness decreases in higher-skilled adult athletes. These findings indicate that core muscle strength contributes significantly to the change of direction speed. Core training is therefore useful for improving CODS.

Effect of Instability Resistance Training on Core Muscle Strength among Athletes: A Systematic Review

Effect of Instability Resistance Training on Core Muscle Strength among Athletes: A Systematic Review

Effects of Core Stability Training on Muscle Physiology among Adults with Low Back Pain

Background: The effects of core stability training (CST) on muscle physiology in adults with chronic low back pain(CLBP) are still debatable. Objectives: To explore the effects of CST on muscle physiology in adults with CLBP. Methods: Eligible studies published in English from inception to October 2023 were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in this review. Pedro was used for scoring and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Findings: Core muscle strength (1 study), thickness (4 studies), and activation (6 studies) favored CST. Conclusion: CST was more effective in improving core muscle strength, and activation for patients with CLBP.

Core stability exercise for the impact of weightlifting and deadlifting on herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP): a systematic review

Background: Herniated nucleus pulposus or disc herniation is a serious medical condition, the common cause of sciatic pain, and the most common indication for spine surgery. People doing athletic sports, especially weightlifting and deadlifting, may face significant acute and overuse spinal injuries that can cause HNP. Core stability exercise (CSE) improves athletes' sports performance and can prevent injury. This systematic review aims to determine the impact of core stability exercises on weightlifting and deadlifting on herniated nucleus pulposus. Method: According to PRISMA recommendations, a systematic review using an online database was carried out. The inclusion criteria set includes studies regarding the impact of core stability exercise on deadlifting and weightlifting to prevent HNP, using adult samples&gt;18 years old and providing the type of CSE exercise. In contrast, the exclusion criteria were studied not available in full text and not available in Bahasa or English. Study quality assessments were done using a checklist for the Joanna Briggs Institute. Result: Ten studies are included in this systematic review, consisting of six randomized controlled trials, two review articles, one case-control study, and one prospective cohort study. The CSE effectively improves the endurance, strength, mobility, and dynamic balance of core muscles, especially spinal muscles, which can prevent back injury, especially for weightlifters and dead lifters. Core stability exercises should be incorporated into athletes' training programs to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of back injury, especially HNP. Conclusion: The CSE effectively improves the endurance, strength, mobility, and dynamic balance of core muscle, especially spinal muscle, which can prevent back injury in athletes, especially weightlifters and dead lifters.

Biopsychosocial Analysis of Imagery in Elite Athletes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between elite athletes' imagery abilities and their body awareness, plank stance duration, psychological and social skills.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study included 53 healthy elite athletes (female:32, male:21). The imagery abilities of the athletes were evaluated using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3. A Body Awareness Questionnaire was used for body awareness assessment. Plank stance duration, psychological and social skill levels were evaluated using Sport Specific Core Muscle Strength and Stability Plank Test, Athletic Psychological Skills Inventory and Social Skills Inventory, respectively.&#x0D; Results: External and kinesthetic imagery was found to correlate with body awareness (r=0.33, p=0.02; r=0.39, p

Effects of a complex yoga-based intervention on physical characteristics

Empirical studies on yoga have shown that regular practice can have a beneficial effect on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases; also, it can decrease body weight, body fat and increase muscle mass. Positive effects on balance and flexibility were also reported. This study evaluated the impact of a 3-month complex yoga-based program, including physical exercises, education, and social support, with a quasi-randomized design in a middle-aged community sample. The intervention group consisted of 46 participants while the passive control group was 29 participants. The intervention group showed a significant increase in core muscle strength and hamstring flexibility and a decrease in body fat. No significant changes were found concerning risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, body weight, muscle mass, balancing ability, and dietary habits. A 3-month yoga intervention cannot substantially impact the cardiovascular system and body weight control in middle-aged adults.

Effect of 8-week Abdominal Core Endurance Training on Shoulder Pain and Function in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Abstract Background: The focus of this study is to report the influence of core muscle endurance training on shoulder pain and function. Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 60) were randomly divided into two groups: group A (core rehabilitation group) and Group B (conventional group). The participants were assessed for shoulder pain using the Numerical Rating Scale, shoulder range of motion using a universal goniometer, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and core muscle strength using pressure biofeedback pre- and postintervention. Results: There was a significant reduction in shoulder pain in both the groups (P = 0.00), with mean pain scores of 37.67 years in Group A and 39 years in Group B. There was a significant increase in core muscle endurance in Group A (P = 0.00) as compared to Group B. The shoulder function as measured by SPADI score improved significantly in Group A (P = 0.00) as compared to Group B, with mean scores of 20.40 in Group A and 31.90 in Group B. Conclusion: Findings from the present study report that the addition of abdominal core muscle endurance training in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy was effective as compared to conventional exercises only for improving the shoulder function.

Importance of Hip and Core Muscles Strength Exercises in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent cause of disability. It typically affects women more frequently than men, and as people age, it becomes more widespread. Apart from inflicting pain and impairment and affecting Quality of Life (QoL), OA raises the likelihood of mortality as well as morbidity. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to lessen knee OA discomfort. The objective of the present review is to draw attention to the body of research on the positive effects of hip and core strengthening exercises for individuals with knee OA. Electronic searches were conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather the appropriate information. The results of the review suggest that exercises for the hip and core muscles are quite beneficial for individuals with OA in their knees. However, there has been little scholarly study on core muscle strengthening, and it is not a frequently used method to treat OA in the knee. Research suggests that strengthening the hip and core muscles is a very effective exercise regimen for people with knee OA, improving their functional status, pain management, and QoL.

The Improvement in Quality of Life and Core Muscle Strength in Elderly Patients by Simultaneous Application of HIFEM with Synchronized Radiofrequency

The Improvement in Quality of Life and Core Muscle Strength in Elderly Patients by Simultaneous Application of HIFEM with Synchronized Radiofrequency

Effect of plyometric versus complex training on core strength, lower limb, and upper limb power in male cricketers: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComplex training is found effective in improving physical performance in various sports. There is a paucity of research evidence comparing the efficacy of complex vs. plyometric training in cricket players. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of complex and plyometric training on physical performance parameters in cricket players.MethodsParticipants (n = 42 Male; age group = 18–26 years) were randomly allocated into three groups, complex training group (CTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23), plyometric training group (PTG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.57 ± 2.82), and control group (CG) (n = 14; BMI = 20.51 ± 2.23). CTG and PTG received their respective training twice weekly, and CG received routine training for four weeks. Pre and post-intervention assessments of core muscle strength (CM), multistage fitness (MF), push-up (PU), lateral cone jump (LCJ), and stationary vertical jump (SVJ) were performed. This study has been registered in clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05646914, on 05/12/2022).ResultsA significant difference was observed between CTG vs. CG for CM (p ≤ 0.01), LCJ (p < 0.05), and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01), similarly in PTG vs. CG for CM (p-value), LCJ (p ≤ 0.05) and SVJ (p ≤ 0.01). However, No significant difference was found between PTG vs. CTG for any variables (p ≥ 0.05). Also, No significant difference in MF and PU was found between the groups (p ≥ 0.05).ConclusionsComplex training has been found to have effects similar to plyometric training alone. Therefore, either of the two strategies can be used to improve the performance of male cricket players.

Developing A Core Strength Training Program to Improve Badminton High Clear Stroke for University Students

Background and Aims: With the continuous development of badminton, international competitions have become increasingly confrontational and competitive, which places higher demands on athletes' physical fitness and technology. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to add core strength training and traditional strength training to badminton high clear stroke skill training, compare the test results after training, and find a more effective strength training method to improve badminton high clear stroke skill. Materials and Methods: This study took 40 students (20 boys and 20 girls) out of 230 students (20 boys and 20 girls) in the 2022 special badminton class of Guangxi Medical University. This study introduces the test standard of badminton high clear stroke technology, focusing on the theory of badminton strength training. Through interviews with 5 experts, the high clear stroke technical test standards, physical fitness test standards, and training plans were determined (IOC test result is 0.925±0.1438). The training experiment lasted 8 weeks. Results: (1) Compared with traditional strength training, core strength training can improve students' physical fitness. (2) Core strength training has a more significant effect on improving badminton high clear stroke skills than traditional strength training. Conclusion: The core muscle strength exercise added to the badminton training program was created by the researcher and validated with 5 experts by IOC technique the IOC was 0.925±0.1438. The Program was confirmed by the execution of a group pretest and posttest experimental design The subject was 40 students who tested with a high clear stroke test, then took the score to rank the subjects descending and sampling with systematic method into 2 groups. The experiment operated for 8 weeks, 2 sessions a week, and 2 hours a session. Collect high clear stroke test and fitness test scores after the last class.

Retracted: Effect of Core Muscle Strength Training Combined with Taijiquan on Bone Mineral Density Measured by Quantitative CT Scanning in the Elderly.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/6942081.].