Core Muscle Research Articles

The investigation of ultrasound to assess lateral abdominal wall activation with different types of core exercises

BackgroundCore training is the foundation of physical exercise. The activation of the lateral abdominal wall (LAW) muscles in the core muscles, particularly the transversus abdominal (TrA) muscles, has a stabilizing effect on the chest and abdomen. Therefore, we need to focus on the training effect of the TrA. There are many ways to measure the LAW. Ultrasound can assess the effect of training in real time and intuitively. Therefore, we intend to evaluate the activation of the LAW in different types of core training using ultrasound, to determine the best movements that can activate the TrA and train the core muscles.Methods22 healthy subjects (male 10, female 12, age 22.82 ± 0.98, BMI 20.78 ± 2.27) were included. The subjects were given the following instructions to perform breathing exercises at different positions: calm breathing and deep breathing at 0° hip flexion and 0° knee flexion; calm breathing, deep breathing, abdominal crunches and ball crunches at 45° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion; and calm breathing, deep breathing, abdominal crunches and ball crunches at 90° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion. The muscle thicknesses of the bilateral transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and LAW muscles were measured using ultrasonography at the end of expiration during the above movements.Results(1) The action with the greatest contraction ratio of the TrA was deep exhalation, which was significantly greater than crunch and ball crunch; (2) During deep exhalation, the TrA had the greatest contraction ratio, significantly greater than the IO and EO. (3) The TrA was thinnest during deep exhalation at 90°, followed by 45° and 0°.ConclusionIn healthy young people, deep expiration with 90° hip flexion and 90° knee flexion was the optimal action for activating the LAW, especially the TrA.

Exploring the Relationship Between Online Gaming Addiction, Core Muscle Endurance, and Reaction Time in Adolescents

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between online gaming addiction, core muscle endurance, and reaction time in adolescents. Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive-correlational study and was conducted with 67 adolescents who play online games daily. The Online Gaming Addiction Scale, core muscle endurance tests, and hand and foot reaction time tests were performed. Results: The overall score of the Online Gaming Addiction Scale was 64.79±17.38, which corresponds as moderate negative reflections on the individual's life. A statistically significant difference was observed in online gaming addiction (p

The Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation Approaches In Low Back Pain On Pain Severity And Disability; A Systematic Review

Low Back Pain encompasses nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain radiating to the legs, and nociplastic pain, often classified as non-specific due to central nervous system exaggeration. Globally, Low Back Pain is a leading cause of activity restriction and loss of productivity, significantly impacting finances. Objective; This study aimed to review the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for LBP, focusing on pain intensity and disability. Materials and Methods; A literature review was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases up to January 30, 2024. English studies were required, using keywords: “low back pain,” “pain intensity,” “pain severity,” “disability,” and “physical therapy.” Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), including the 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS). Disability was assessed using ADL, IADL scales, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results; Seven study met the inclusion criteria from 665 initial records. Interventions included osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), core muscle exercise with interferential current (IFC), cognitive functional therapy (CFT), dry cupping therapy, high-intensity machine-based core muscle resistance training (C-IPU), heat therapy, TENS, pelvic traction, Reiki, dynamic muscular stabilization technique (DMST), and McGill Big 3 (MB3). Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 1090 participants. IFC combined with core muscle exercises significantly reduced pain intensity compared to each method alone, though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The C-IPU group had greater pain relief (P 0.05). Dry cupping did not outperform sham cupping. CFT reduced absenteeism in the first two years but not later. Reiki showed significant improvement in pain and ADL compared to drug therapy, but not to physiotherapy. Conclusions; Physical therapy interventions effectively alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in LBP. However, variability in interventions and outcome measures necessitates cautious interpretation. Further research with standardized protocols is essential to understand the effectiveness and optimal duration of physical therapy for LBP. Keywords; low back pain; pain intensity; pain severity; disability; physical therapy

Effects of Local Hypothermia on Limb Viability in a Swine Model of Acute Limb Ischemia During Prolonged Damage-Control Resuscitation.

New strategies are needed to mitigate further tissue injury during traumatic limb ischemia in cases requiring damage control resuscitation (DCR). Little is known about the pathophysiology and injury course in acute limb ischemia (ALI) with DCR in polytraumatized casualties. We therefore investigated the effects of therapeutic limb hypothermia in a swine model of ALI and DCR. Fifteen swine underwent a published 6-hour DCR protocol of hemorrhage and then resuscitation. After hemorrhage, animals were randomized to 5oC or 15oC cooling of one hindlimb; the contralateral limb serving as an uncooled control. Physiologic variables, limb temperature, and limb tissue metabolites (glucose, lactate, and pyruvate) were measured throughout the DCR protocol. Muscle and nerve biopsies were obtained after the 6-hour protocol. Lactate and pyruvate levels were significantly lower in the cooled limbs than in the uncooled control limbs but did not differ between the 5oC and 15oC groups. Tissue glucose levels did not differ between the 5oC group, the 15oC group, and controls. Mean histologic muscle score was significantly higher in the 5oC group than in controls (p = 0.03). Mean nerve histology scores did not differ between the 5oC and paired control limbs, or between the mean muscle and nerve histology scores of the 15oC and paired control limbs. Cooling to 15oC significantly reduced local tissue metabolites compared to paired controls, while producing no significant increase in histologic damage, whereas cooling to 5oC increased histologic muscle damage. These results suggest an approach to prevention of ischemic injury through local hypothermia but warrant further functional testing.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Onset Core Muscle Activity in Subjects with Non-Specific Lower Back Pain and Without Lower Back Pain: An Observational Case-Control Study.

Lower back pain (LBP) has been the leading cause of disability since 1990. Objectives: The main objective of this observational case-control study was to evaluate, using ultrasound, whether there were differences in the onset and ratio of core muscle contraction between subjects with non-specific chronic lower back pain and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 60 participants (52% women), split between those with non-specific chronic lower back pain (n = 26) and healthy (n = 34) subjects, were recruited. Initial muscle contraction of the lateral abdominal wall, pelvic floor, lumbar multifidus, and respiratory diaphragm was measured using ultrasound. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver, contralateral arm elevation, the Valsalva maneuver, and voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor in seated and standing positions were performed. The muscle thickness of the lateral abdominal wall and lumbar multifidus and excursion of the pelvic floor and diaphragm at rest and during testing were also analyzed. Results: No differences were found between the groups in the initial contraction. Statistically significant differences were found in the following variables: diaphragm excursion (p = 0.032, r = 0.277) and lumbar multifidus ratio (p = 0.010, r = 0.333) in the standing-abdominal retraction maneuver; pelvic floor excursion (p = 0.012, r = 0.325) in the standing-contralateral arm raise; and transverse abdominis ratio (p = 0.033, r = 0.275) in the sitting-contralateral arm raise. A statistically significant interaction between the groups and body mass index was observed in resting diaphragm excursion (p = 0.018, partial eta squared = 0.096) during sitting-voluntary pelvic floor contraction. Conclusions: It cannot be concluded that there is a specific pattern of core activation in any of the groups. However, statistically significant differences were found in the contraction indexes of the lumbopelvic musculature.

Differential Effects of Chewing Lice on Body Condition across Host Age and Sex in Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus).

Chewing lice infesting avian hosts can significantly affect host health and fitness. Here, we present quantitative data on host body condition and louse abundance observed from 121 Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus) sampled across the North American nonbreeding range. Among hawks examined, louse prevalence was 71%, with a mean abundance and intensity of 9.1 and 12.8 lice, respectively. We identified lice as Craspedorrhynchus sp., either Craspedorrhynchus dilatatus or Craspedorrhynchus taurocephalus, dependent on future taxonomic revision of the genus. Female and juvenile hawks had greater louse intensity and prevalence compared with male and adult hawks, respectively. Host body condition, measured as a breast muscle score (keel score), was negatively correlated with louse abundance after controlling for host age and sex. Possible explanations for these patterns include the following: sex-biased louse transfer between adults and nestlings, when female nestlings experience increased transfer loads; body size differences between males and females, when females are larger than males in each life stage; and preening limitations in females and juveniles, when both spend more time hunting and less time preening relative to adult males. Our results corroborate previous studies suggesting that the primary sources of intraspecific variation in louse abundance are host body size and preening limitations.

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

Investigation of Predisposing Risk Factors in Adolescent Male Water Polo Players.

Shoulder injuries are prevalent in adolescent water polo (WP) players. Study aimed to determine whether preseason shoulder characteristics (range of motion [ROM], flexibility, and strength) and core endurance can identify athletes at risk of future shoulder injuries. Shoulder characteristics, including changes in ROM (internal rotation [IR], external rotation [ER], and total), strength (IR and ER), pectoralis minor flexibility, shoulder capsule flexibility, and core endurance, would be risk factors for shoulder reinjury in athletes with previous overuse injuries compared with noninjured athletes. Prospective cohort study. Level 3. At baseline, 53 male youth WP players (mean age, 16.6 ± 3.5 years) were assigned to Group 1 (with previous shoulder injuries [G1, n = 26]) and Group 2 (without previous shoulder injuries [G2, n = 27]). ROM, flexibility, strength, and core muscle endurance were assessed preseason. After a 12-month follow-up, players were again divided into those who developed new shoulder injuries (G3, n = 27) and those who remained healthy (G4, n = 26). Total of 26 players (49%) had previous shoulder injuries at baseline. At baseline, decreased pectoralis minor flexibility, IR, total ROM, and core endurance were found in players with a previous shoulder injury compared with players without a previous shoulder injury (P < 0.05). At baseline, a significant difference was present in proposed risk factors (shoulder and core endurance parameters) between players with and without a previous shoulder injury. Shoulder IR ROM and years of experience were significant predictors of shoulder injury. Early detection of modifiable proposed risk factors may help prevent reinjury in young athletes. Screening at an early age can help identify and address pre-existing injuries, support youth athletes' return to sport after a shoulder injury, prevent new injuries, and improve performance.

Flexibar And Non-Flexibar Exercises And Its Effects On Trunk Activation- A Review Of Literature

Objective: To systematically review the randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effects of flexi-bar and non-flexi-bar exercises, specifically stabilization training, on trunk muscle activity in various postures. Methodology: The study included randomized control trials and clinical trials published between 2007-2018 , focusing on patients with upper trunk muscle weakness aged above 18. Exclusion criteria included a study with overlapping data, a study with associated disorders, or abstract-only papers. The search strategy involved a search of existing literature from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Research Gate, removing duplicates and identifying relevant articles. The full-text screening was performed, and the remaining relevant articles underwent data extraction. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the activity of selected trunk muscles, which was then normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Results: The findings of this study indicate that flexi-bar exercises resulted in higher activation of trunk muscles compared to non-flexi-bar exercises (stabilization training). The unique physical response induced by the vibration created through the swinging motion of the flexi bar triggered reflexive contractions of core muscles, leading to increased muscle activity. This suggests that flexi bar exercises may be beneficial in promoting muscular activation and potentially alleviating low back pain by evening out muscular imbalances.Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of flexi-bar exercises for activating trunk muscles, particularly when compared to non-flexi-bar exercises (stabilization training).

Correlation between the biomechanical characteristics and stability of the 143D movement during the balance phase in competitive Tai Chi.

To explore the biomechanical factors affecting the stability of athletes in the 143D balance phase of competitive Tai Chi. The Vicon 3D motion capture system, Kistler 3D force platform, and Noraxon surface electromyography (sEMG) system were used to measure the joint angle, joint moment, center of gravity, ground reaction force, and sEMG data of athletes. The stability index was then calculated according to the formula. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation tests were used to analyze the associations between the biomechanical factors and stability index. (1) Medial lateral stability index (MLSI): A significant negative correlation was found between the ankle inversion angle of the supporting leg (SL) and MLSI (p < 0.05). (2) Anterior posterior stability index (APSI): Significant negative correlations were observed between the ankle intorsion angle, integrated electromyography (iEMG) of the gastrocnemius, and muscle contribution rates of the tibialis anterior, external oblique, and gastrocnemius of the non-supporting leg (NL) with the APSI (p < 0.05). The ankle dorsiflexion moment, iEMG of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior, muscle contribution rate of the biceps femoris, and root mean-squared (RMS) amplitude of the gluteus maximus of the SL also showed significant negative correlations with the APSI (p < 0.05). Strong and significant negative correlations were also identified between the hip intorsion angle, iEMG of the tibialis anterior, and RMS amplitude of the rectus femoris of the NL with the APSI (p < 0.01). Further strong and significant negative correlation was also found between the RMS amplitude of the biceps femoris of the SL and APSI (p < 0.01). The knee extorsion angle of the NL was positively correlated with the APSI (p < 0.05). (3) Dynamic postural stability index (DPSI): The knee adduction angle, iEMG of the tibialis anterior, and RMS amplitude of the erector spinae of the NL were significantly positively correlated with the DPSI (p < 0.05). The knee abduction and hip extension moments of the SL were also significantly positively correlated with the DPSI (p < 0.05). The ankle inversion angle of the SL impacts left-right stability, while the NL's hip and ankle intorsion angles, knee extorsion angle, and exertion on the core muscle and SL's main muscles, as well as exertion of specific muscles of the NL affect anterior-posterior stability. The hip extension and knee abduction moments of the SL, knee adduction angle, exertion on the tibialis anterior, and activation of the erector spinae of the NL significantly affect the overall stability of an athlete.

Hippotherapy As An Effective Treatment Strategy For Paediatric Population With Disabilities - A Literature Review

Background: Hippotherapy is an equine-assisted therapeutic method for the development of physical, occupational, and emotional performance in people suffering from various maladies. The neurophysiology of hippotherapy is characterized by the cyclical rhythmic movement of the horses, which is a kind of sensory input providing the rider with the information needed to maintain the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. It is the act of falling and jumping process that encourages neural pathways responsible for the development of the motor system which gradually results in the development of balance and coordination. To wit, the motion of those animals is one such that they imitate the normal human body’s walking pattern and in effect, like physiotherapy, they provide familiarity and thereby help in reskilling the rider’s core muscles and postural alignment. Furthermore, the relationship between the horse and the human being can also contribute to the emotional and spiritual side of the human being, thus, resulting in a more holistic approach to therapy that could be shown in practice through such modes as horse therapy. Methodology: We performed literature searching multiple electronic databases. The searches generated 50 potentially relevant studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eliminating repeated articles, and critically evaluating the obtained results, nine papers were selected for the analysis. The selected papers were published between the period of January 2019 to July 2024. This comprised two cross-sectional studies, one experimental study, one exploratory study, one randomized controlled trial, and one survey investigation. Results: This literature review noticed a connection between hippotherapy and observable improvements in balance, coordination, gait, motor functions, cognitive functions, flexibility, functional mobility in children with disabilities. Conclusion: Hippotherapy has benefited balance, coordination, gait, motor functions, cognitive functions, flexibility, and functional mobility in children with disabilities, and thus, it should be considered as a treatment strategy for treating children with disabilities.

Relationship between Body Mass Index, Dynamic Balance, and Core Muscle Endurance in Firefighter Candidates: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to examine the effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) on dynamic balance and core muscle endurance in firefighter candidates. In physically demanding professions, such as firefighting, understanding the impact of BMI on physical performance metrics is crucial for both occupational safety and effectiveness. The study was conducted with 89 firefighter candidates, with a gender distribution of 23.6% female (n=21, age 19.86±1.86 years, height 1.64±0.05 m, weight 59.47±7.26 kg) and 76.4% male (n=68, age 19.82±1.25 years, height 1.78±0.04 m, weight 74.36±12.09 kg). Within the scope of the research, the results of the BMI, balance, and core muscle endurance tests were evaluated. BMI was calculated based on measurements of participant height and weight. Dynamic balance performance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test, while core muscle endurance was measured using the plank test. The performances of the participants in both tests were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression models were used to examine the relationships among BMI, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance. The findings indicated that an increase in BMI has adverse effects on balance and core muscle endurance performance. Specifically, firefighter candidates with higher BMI values exhibited shorter plank durations (females: r=-0.63; p=0.002, males: r=-0.566; p

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.

Effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID: a case series.

This study aimed to analyse the effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID. Case series study that included patients with long COVID who participated in a 12-week trunk and pelvic muscle strength training programme. Clinical variables and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS) were used to assess fatigue levels. Percentage of muscle activation during a core muscle plank was measured via surface electromyography. Pre- and post-intervention results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and evaluated with Cohen's D effect size (ES). Twenty-one subjects participated in the study; 81% female, mean age 47.5 years (range: 28-55 years), and median duration of symptoms 21 months (range: 5-24 months); 90.5% of the participants experienced fatigue (MFIS score = 38). Muscle activation during plank exercises improved across all muscles after the intervention, with significant increases in the left (p = 0.011, medium ES) and right external oblique (p =0.039, small ES) muscles and the right latissimus dorsi muscle (p = 0.039, small ES). Additionally, significant reductions in fatigue were observed in the total MFIS score (p = 0.004, medium ES) and in the physical (p < 0.001, large ES) and psychosocial subscales (p = 0.033, small ES). Results suggest that a plank-based strength training programme may be effective in enhancing trunk and pelvic muscle activation in individuals with long COVID.

A comparison of core muscle endurance of females with fibromyalgia versus healthy females: An observational study

IntroductionDespite the numerous benefits of core muscle strengthening in improving symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM), limited studies have quantified core muscle function in FM patients. ObjectiveTo compare the core muscle endurance of FM females with age-matched healthy females and determine whether a correlation exists between core muscle endurance and FM severity. Materials and methodsPre-diagnosed female FM patients (n=7) and age-matched healthy females (n=19) were assessed using McGill's core endurance tests in four positions – flexion, extension, and bilateral side-bridge. The longest contraction holding time (in seconds) in each position was noted and compared in both groups. Additionally, patient-reported Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores were obtained to determine disease severity. ResultsThe mean holding time for trunk extensors (26.14±7.7s), right lateral flexors (20.14±8.3s), and left lateral flexors (20.86±5.3s) was significantly lower in the FM females than the healthy females (trunk extensors=55.21±17.1s; right lateral flexors=36.05±13.2s; left lateral flexors=35.11±13.8s). The endurance of trunk flexors was statistically similar in both groups (FM females=52.14±27.9s; healthy females=74.37±37.7s). Lastly, core muscle endurance was not correlated with the FIQ scores in FM patients (p>0.05). ConclusionThe results of this preliminary study revealed that core extensor and lateral flexor endurance in FM females was lower than their healthy female counterparts. Larger sample studies are needed to further substantiate our findings.

288 - Assessment of External Pressure Device for Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction and its Synergistic Role with Core Muscles in Men: Preliminary Results of an Experimental Study

288 - Assessment of External Pressure Device for Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction and its Synergistic Role with Core Muscles in Men: Preliminary Results of an Experimental Study

Associations Between Pelvis, Trunk, and Shoulder Girdle Muscle Activity; Age; and Scores During the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test in Baseball Pitchers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations between muscle activity, age, and scores on the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). DESIGN: Quasi-experimental. METHODS: Pelvic, trunk, and shoulder girdle surface electromyography (sEMG) and kinematic data were measured in 21 high school and college male baseball pitchers (17.4 ± 2.0 years, 184.4 ± 5.7 cm, 78.4 ± 14.2 kg) while they performed the CKCUEST. Mean sEMG data were computed while in sole support on the throwing-arm side (TS) as the glove-arm side (GS) was horizontally translating. Correlations and local regressions were used to assess associations and general patterns between mean sEMG data, age, and scores. RESULTS: TS serratus anterior, TS external oblique, GS serratus anterior, and TS gluteus medius had the highest mean sEMG data. Low-to-high significant correlations were found between proximal muscle groups. Correlations with the highest magnitudes in descending order were TS external oblique and TS gluteus maximus, TS external oblique and TS serratus anterior, and GS external oblique and TS gluteus medius. Small significant associations were observed between other muscle groups and age; there were no associations between muscle activity and test performance. CONCLUSION: Associations were observed between mean muscle activity among muscle groups and age but not test outcome. JOSPT Open 2024;2(4):297-305. Epub 7 June 2024. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2024.1023

Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver is Less Effective for Core Stability During High Load Tasks: A Systematic Review

Context: The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) is a technique commonly used to activate deep core muscles for the prevention and rehabilitation of low back pain. However, its benefits during high-load tasks (HLT) are unclear. Objectives: The primary objective of this article is to review the literature to determine whether the use of ADIM enhances core stabilization during HLT. Additionally, we will examine if other factors, beyond load, could influence the effectiveness of this activation maneuver. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed databases for studies that compared interventions using ADIM to those without ADIM. The literature search spanned from January 1981 to March 2024. Only studies that included kinematic assessments were selected. Results: The search yielded 359 studies, of which 24 were included in the final analysis. Task load was analyzed based on Mottram and Comerford's criteria, alongside other approaches such as the source of the perturbation applied to the subject and body position. In conditions using ADIM, better performance was observed in only 16.66% of interventions with HLT, whereas other conditions (OC) without ADIM performed better in 83.33% of interventions using HLT. When core stability was tested against external perturbations, ADIM was less effective in all scenarios. In lying positions, ADIM performed better in 4 tasks, while OC performed better in 2. In upright positions, ADIM was more effective in 7 tasks, while OC performed better in 6. Conclusions: The findings suggest that ADIM should not be used if the goal is to train core stability and strength during HLT. Abdominal drawing-in maneuver was less effective for stabilizing the core during tasks involving external perturbations, and its use was also less effective in upright positions.

Linear jerk variability evaluation in measurements of motor control trainability: Could kinematic variables encompass information about strength and dynamic balance?

As the natural conclusion of talent identification in sports, talent development is the process that involves improving biomechanical capacities and bio-motor abilities. The development progress can be objectively assessed and monitored through measurements of trainability. This study introduces a practical methodology to assess motor control as a trainable factor using kinematic data. The study focused on establishing the relationship between kinematic data and changes in muscle strength and dynamic balance. It illustrates how wearable technology can assess trainability during a functional training programme. Twenty-six female university students were selected and divided into intervention and control groups to investigate motor control trainability. The intervention group performed step aerobics exercises for 24 sessions. A single inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on S1 captured the oscillatory motion profiles of the centre of mass during these rhythmic exercises. Analysis revealed that the amplitude of linear jerk variability in different anatomical planes could reflect core and lower limb muscle strengthening caused by training. Furthermore, the results indicated that the dynamic balance adaptation to the changing tempo throughout the training programme was dictated primarily by step width. The mediolateral linear jerk variability reflected this adaptation. The minimum instrumentation approach proposed by this study could prove very practical for the talent development monitoring. The methodology illustrates how the recorded kinematic data from an appropriately placed single IMU could become an information-rich source for the coach to monitor, assess and quantify the trainee's progress during long-term athletic development.

Effects of Pilates Exercise Using Elastic Bands on Core Muscle Function, Shoulder Rotation Muscle Strength, and Ball Speed of Adolescent Baseball Players

Effects of Pilates Exercise Using Elastic Bands on Core Muscle Function, Shoulder Rotation Muscle Strength, and Ball Speed of Adolescent Baseball Players