Trunk Muscle Endurance Research Articles

Prediction of Knee Injury in Professional Soccer Players Using Core Endurance and Strength: A Cross-sectional Study

Although relationships between lower limb injury and core strength and endurance have been reported, limited research on the risk of knee injury specifically among soccer players exists. This study aimed to compare preseason trunk muscle endurance as well as trunk and hip muscle strength between soccer players who experienced knee in- jury during their season and those who did not. Dependent variables were also used to predict the risk for injury. This prospective cross-sectional study involved thirty-nine male soccer players (age 19.64±2.84 years, weight 73.94±15.66 kg and height 175.67±9.92 cm). By the end of the season, twelve (30.77%) reported knee injuries. Accordingly, two groups were identified and compared: injured and non-injured. Prone-bridge, side-bridge, trunk flexion and hor- izontal back extension hold times were used as trunk endurance measures, while peak isokinetic trunk flexor and extensor torques, as well as hip abductor and external rotator torques, were recorded as strength measures. MANOVA showed that only prone-bridge hold time was significantly higher in the non-injured players (p<0.05). Logistic re- gression showed that prone-bridge hold time and peak isokinetic hip abductor torque were significant predictors of injury (OR=0.97&0.03, respectively). Thus, soccer players with knee injuries have lesser core endurance. Reduced prone-bridge hold time and abductor torque, specifically, are associated with an increased risk of injury.

Using the Replicating Effective Programs Framework to Adapt an Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for the Post-Acute Nursing Home Setting

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To adapt a successful outpatient rehabilitation program targeting the prevention of mobility decline among older adults for the post-acute nursing home setting within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) using the Replicating Effective Programs (REP) Framework. <h3>Design</h3> Program development. <h3>Setting</h3> Community Living Center (CLC), the post-acute nursing home setting within VHA. <h3>Participants</h3> Veterans receiving post-acute CLC rehabilitative care. <h3>Interventions</h3> We used the REP framework to guide adaptation of the Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) program for the CLC setting. The original LLWS program treats physiologic impairments associated with mobility decline, promotes behavior change, and links patients to physical activity programs to foster long-term maintenance of health and function. LLWS produces large clinically meaningful improvements in mobility when implemented as an outpatient program for community-dwelling older adults. We adapted the program for the CLC by working through the phases of the REP framework. In the Pre-conditions phase, we identified local champions, developed an understanding of CLC processes, and identified existing resources. In the Pre-implementation phase, we engaged a broader group of stakeholders (CLC providers, CLC administrators, home health agencies), addressed electronic health record logistics, and trained staff. In the Implementation phase, we completed Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles and refined the protocol. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Preliminary feasibility. <h3>Results</h3> The adapted version of LLWS includes novel elements and bridges the inpatient CLC stay and subsequent three months post-discharge. The inpatient component focuses on maximizing functional recovery and includes activities focused on timing and coordination of gait, lower extremity strength and power, and trunk muscle endurance. The care transition and virtual (i.e., telehealth) post-discharge components focus on case management and engagement in physical activity programs. Coaching and behavior change are a consistent focus throughout the program. The adapted program is being rolled out as a clinical demonstration project and demonstrates preliminary feasibility. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The REP framework provides a useful guide for adapting rehabilitative programs to meet the needs of new populations. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts of interest to report.

Association between biological maturity, body constitution and physical fitness with performance on a rowing ergometer in elite youth female rowers

There is a gap in the literature regarding predictors of rowing performance in young rowers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate associations between parameters of biological maturity, body constitution and physical fitness with rowing performance in young female elite rowers. A total of 26 female rowers aged 13.1 ± 0.5 years (maturity offset: + 2.2 ± 0.5 years from peak height velocity; training volume: 10 hours/week) volunteered to participate in this study. During the performance tests in March 2016/2017, biological maturity (e. g. maturity offset), body constitution (e. g. body height/mass, lean body mass, body fat mass) and physical fitness were assessed. Physical fitness tests included the assessment of muscle strength (1-RM bench pull, leg press, maximal handgrip strength), muscle power (standing long jump test), muscular endurance (trunk muscle endurance test [Bourban test]), dynamic balance (Y-balance test) and change-of-direction speed (multistage shuttle run). Finally, rowing performance was analysed using a 700-m rowing ergometer test. A linear regression analysis was computed for the models (1) biological maturity, (2) biological maturity and body constitution, and (3) biologic maturity, body constitution, and physical fitness. The statistical analysis showed significant (p≤ 0.01) medium-to-large sized correlations (0.57 ≤r≤ 0.8) between biological maturity, body constitution (e. g. body height/mass, lean body mass) and physical fitness (e. g. 1-RM bench pull, maximal handgrip strength, Bourban test) with rowing performance. Model 3 with the predictors body constitution (i. e. lean mass) and muscular endurance (i. e. Bourban test) showed the largest explained variance for 700-m rowing ergometer performance (R² = 0.94, Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 82.1). Explained variance of model 3 was higher compared with model 1 (R² = 0.6, AIC = 131.5) and model 2 (R² = 0.63, AIC = 111.6). As a result of this study, coaches involved in junior rowing should focus on characteristics such as biological maturity, body constitution and physical fitness (muscle strength, muscular endurance) during talent development as these correlated highly with rowing ergometer performance.

Physiotherapy combined with therapeutic neuroscience education versus physiotherapy alone for patients with chronic low back pain: A pilot, randomized-controlled trial.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of therapeutic neuroscience education (TNE) combined with physiotherapy on pain, kinesiophobia, endurance, and disability in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Patients and methods Between November 2016 and December 2017, a total of 31 patients with CLBP (5 males, 26 females; mean age: 42.3±10.8 years; range, 20 to 58 years) were randomly allocated to receive physiotherapy combined with TNE (experimental group, EG, n=16) and physiotherapy alone (control group, CG, n=15). All participants received physiotherapy consisting of five sessions per week for a total of three weeks. In addition to physiotherapy, the EG received TNE sessions consisting of two sessions per week for a total of three weeks. The primary outcomes were pain intensity as assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and kinesiophobia by Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), while and the secondary outcomes were trunk muscle endurance as assessed by the partial curl-up test (trunk flexor endurance [TFE]) and modified Sorensen test (trunk extensor endurance [TEE]) and disability by Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Results All patients completed the study. The median VAS, TSK, TFE, TEE, and RMDQ scores for the EG significantly improved after three weeks, while there was only significant improvement in the VAS, TSK, and RMDQ scores in the CG. The TSK decreased more in the EG than in the CG. The significant difference was evident in TSK and TFE in favor of the EG (p<0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that the combination of TNE with physiotherapy can improve kinesiophobia and trunk flexor muscle endurance of patients with CLBP in the short-term.

FMS assessment and core stability in a group of amateur climbers

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the functional status of people who regularly climb for recreational purposes, using the FMS (Functional Movement Screen) and core stability tests (McGill's torso muscular endurance tests). This paper also attempts to determine the relation between the assessment of functional efficiency and the results obtained in core stability tests. Material and methods: The study group were consisted of 30 amateur climbers (aged 26 ±3), who were compared to a control group of 30 people who don’t climb but recreationally practice volleyball (aged 22 ±3). All participants performed each of the seven FMS trials and the three McGill's tests. Results: Amateur climbers, in comparison to non-climbers, were achieved higher scores in each of the core stability trials (p&lt;0,05). Climbers also scored significantly higher results in all FMS trials as well as in the final average (19,0 3 ±1,54 vs. 16,60 ±3,60; p&lt;0,01). In addition, there were found positive correlations between FMS and core stability trials in the group of climbers (Deep Squad vs. Side bridge test; In-Line Lunge vs. Side bridge test; Rotational Stability vs. all trials of the core stability test). Conclusions: People recreational practicing climbing are characterized by a high level of functional efficiency and above-average levels of deep trunk muscles endurance, responsible for the proper functioning of the central stabilization. Relationship between the overall results of the FMS and the core stability tests in the climbers' group shows that proper stability training, which is a part of the climbers training, may result in higher athletes’ performance.

Functional Training Effect on Functional Movements and Physical Capacity in 10 to 13-Year-Old Children Attending Swimming Activities

Background. Functional training is used both in rehabilitation - to restore lost functions, and in professional sports - to improve results in competitions. Functional training is characterized by complex training of physical features, and it develops specific movements.&#x0D; The aim was to evaluate functional training effect on functional movements, static endurance of trunk muscles and dynamic balance in children aged 10 to 13 attending swimming activities.&#x0D; Methods. The study involved 24 children in the age group of 10–13 who attended swimming activities 5 times a week. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: subject (n = 12) and control (n = 12). Participants of the subject group while attending regular swimming activities were prescribed functional training of 10-week once a week with supervision of a physiotherapist. The participants of the control group while attending regular swimming activities were prescribed a routine swimmer training of 10-week once a week in the gym under the supervision of a sports coach. Static endurance, dynamic balance, leg muscle’s explosive force and swimming competition results corresponding to the time interval of the beginning and end of the study were assessed before and after the interventions.&#x0D; Results. All the evaluated indicators had tendency to improve, but significant differences between the results of the two groups were found in the static endurance of the abdomen and trunk lateral muscles, dynamic balance, functional movements, long jump results and 50-meter swimming results.&#x0D; Conclusion. Functional training under the supervision of a physiotherapist can significantly improve the functional and physical capacity of children attending swimming activities.&#x0D; Keywords: physical characteristics, functional training, endurance, balance, functional movements.

Effects of core stability training program on trunk muscle endurance in deaf children: A preliminary study

IntroductionSport participation is an important for deaf children as participants experience physical, psychological and social benefits; however, the beneficial effect of core stability training on core muscle endurance is unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week core stability exercise training program on endurance of trunk muscles in deaf children. MethodsTwenty male deaf students (age, 16.5 ± 0.65 y; body mass, 62.08 ± 5.39 kg; BMI, 22.33 ± 2.24 kg/m2) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to experimental (EXP, n = 10) and control (CON, n = 10) groups. The subjects in the EXP group performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks period of core stability training program and tested trunk muscle endurance including prone bridge, supine bridge and flexor endurance tests at pre and post 8 weeks intervention. ResultsThe CON group did not show any significant change after training period (p > 0.05). The EXP group showed significantly changes in core stability muscle endurance tests following the 8-week core stability training program (p < 0.05). In addition, the EXP group indicated statistically significant changes than the CON group in truck muscle endurance (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe results indicated that core stability training program improved trunk muscle endurance. Therefore, this training approach can be recommended in deaf rehabilitation programs to improve trunk muscle endurance.

Comparison of lumbopelvic stability, low back pain and well-being of women who have overactive bladder syndrome to asymptomatic controls: cut-off points

Aims Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome has been associated with core muscles weakness, which is important in aetiology of low back pain (LBP) and affects general well-being. This study aimed to compare the lumbopelvic stability, LBP and well-being of women with OAB to asymptomatic controls and to determine the cut-off points. Methods Women with (OAB group, n = 36) and without OAB syndrome (control group, n = 36) were included. The lumbopelvic stability with the Sahrmann and McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, LBP intensity with the Visual Analogue Scale were assessed. As for general well-being, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), fatigue severity with the Fatigue Severity Index (FSI), anxiety and depression levels with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-A, HADS-D) were evaluated. Results In the OAB group compared to the control group, the lumbopelvic stability scores were lower (p < 0.001) while LBP prevalence (p < 0.001), pain intensity (p = 0.020), and PSQI, FSI, HADS-A, and HADS-D scores (p < 0.001) were higher. The cut-off points for trunk extension, flexion, right and left lateral flexion endurance tests and Sahrmann test were ≤9.42 sec, ≤8.62 sec, ≤19.26 sec, ≤5.16 sec, and ≤2 level, respectively. The cut-off points for PSQI, FSI, HADS-D, HADS-A were >5, >5.22, >6 and >6 scores, respectively. Conclusions Women with OAB syndrome had lower lumbopelvic stability, higher LBP prevalence and intensity, lower sleep quality, and more fatigue, anxiety, and depression levels compared to asymptomatic women. The cut-off values were detected between the occurrence of OAB and lumbopelvic stability and general well-being parameters.

Correlation between Static Balance and Core Endurance among College Student with Forward Head Posture

Background: Proper posture is considered to be a state of musculoskeletal balance that involves a minimal amount of stress or strain to the body. When the head is held forward in relation to the trunk, the alignment is said to be poor and is referred as, ‘forward head posture’ (FHP). If abnormal posture persists for a long time, it compromises balance because of muscular imbalance which can cause loss of proprioception sense in joint and decreased balance, and trunk endurance is significantly reduced in FHP and may lead to poor muscular control of the spine. Purpose: To find the correlation between the core muscle endurance and balance among college student with forward head posture. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. 25 healthy college student individuals within the age group of 18-30 years having forward head posture were taken. FHP was assessed by craniovertebral angle. Trunk endurance was measured by McGill core endurance test and static balance was assessed by standing stork test. Results: Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to find the correlation between Trunk muscle endurance and static balance. Strong positive correlation was found which was statistically significant between trunk flexor endurance, trunk extensor endurance, right lateral endurance, left lateral endurance, and static balance. Conclusion: Among college students with FHP decreased core endurance can affect the static balance. Keywords: forward head posture, core endurance, static balance.

Plank Times Not Related To Injury In Collegiate Track And Cross Country Athletes

While trunk muscle endurance is important in running kinematics, the evidence on static trunk endurance tests like planks and their relationship with lower extremity injury risk in athletes is conflicting. PURPOSE: To determine whether prone and side plank hold times were associated with time-loss injury in track and cross country athletes. We hypothesized that shorter plank times would be associated with a higher incidence of lower quadrant injury during the season. METHODS: Seventy-five NCAA Division III collegiate track and cross country athletes (39 females, 36 males; mean age 20.0 ± 1.3 y) performed three trunk endurance tests in random order with 1-2 minutes recovery. Hold times for prone plank (PP), right side plank (RSP) and left side plank (LSP) were each recorded in seconds (up to 120 seconds) during the first week of the competitive season. Athletes were followed prospectively during their season for any lower quadrant injury resulting in limited or missed practices or competitions. Independent t-tests were used to compare mean plank times between injured and non-injured athletes. Odds ratios were used to assess the risk of injury for athletes with a plank time below the hold time cut points. RESULTS: The mean plank times between females and males were similar (p > 0.05). Twenty-seven athletes (36%) experienced a time-loss injury. The mean plank times between injured and non-injured athletes were not significantly different: [PP: injured 88.3 ± 33.3, non-injured 92.1 ± 31.1 (p = 0.63); RSP: injured 73.6 ± 32.7, non-injured 76.4 ± 31.9 (p = 0.72); LSP: injured 72.0 ± 30.8, non-injured 76.2 ± 32.4 (p = 0.59)]. Overall, 17.3%, 24.0% and 26.7% of athletes had hold times <60 seconds for the PP, RSP and LSP, respectively. When comparing athletes with hold times of <60 and ≥ 60 seconds by injury status, no significant associations were found for PP (p = 0.40), RSP (p = 0.16) or LSP (p = 0.66). When the sums of PP, RSP and LSP times were assessed, no significant risk relationships were found between injury for athletes in the lower half (p = 0.53) or lowest quartile (p = 0.39) of hold times. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-season plank hold times were not related to injury status during the competitive season. Static trunk endurance assessment tests in isolation may not be sensitive for injury screening as they may not match the dynamic demands of these sports.

Effect of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides on Stiffness of Lumbar Stabilizer Muscles in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) on muscular stiffness by using ultrasound shear wave elastography, pain, and function in patients with nonspecific low back pain. MethodsIn a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 30 participants with nonspecific low back pain were randomly divided into 2 groups: a real SNAG group (aged 21.0 ± 1.7, 5 men, 10 women) and sham SNAG group (aged 20.4 ± 0.5, 4 men, 11 women). Muscular stiffness of the multifidus and erector spinal muscles with ultrasound shear wave elastography, visual analog scale, the sit and reach, flamingo balance, the functional reach, side bridge, and Biering-Sorensen tests were made before and immediately after intervention. The Oswestry Disability Index score was recorded only baseline. ResultsAfter intervention, the change in visual analog scale, sit and reach, Biering-Sorensen, and side bridge tests scores were significantly different between real SNAG and sham SNAG groups (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in functional reach and flamingo balance test scores between the groups (P > .05). There was no significant difference for all measurements between pre- and post-intervention in sham SNAG group (P > .05). There was a significant reduction in muscular stiffness in the real SNAG group. But there was no change in muscular stiffness between pre- and postintervention in the sham group (P > .05). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the Mulligan SNAG technique had a positive effect on pain severity, flexibility, trunk muscle endurance, and muscle stiffness in patients with nonspecific LBP.

Effects of trunk Muscles Endurance, Hip Joint Muscular Strength, and Pelvic Alignment on Mild Low Back Pain

Effects of trunk Muscles Endurance, Hip Joint Muscular Strength, and Pelvic Alignment on Mild Low Back Pain

Factorial Structure of Trunk Motor Qualities and Their Association with Explosive Movement Performance in Young Footballers.

This study examined the factorial structure of trunk motor qualities and their associations with explosive muscular performance of football players. Ninety-one young male football players (age: 15–21 years; body height: 1.78 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 70.3 ± 7.5 kg) performed a series of tests: four standing and four seated isometric trunk strength tests, seven trunk power (medicine ball throwing) tests, four trunk endurance tests and four explosive movement performance tests. A principal component factor analysis (PCA) was used to determine the structure of trunk motor qualities, and correlational analyses were used to assess linear associations between trunk motor qualities and explosive performance. The PCA revealed four independent factors—trunk power, standing and seated isometric trunk strength, and trunk muscle endurance. Only trunk power had significant moderate, logically positive associations with sprint and vertical jump performance (common variance: 25–36%), while other associations between trunk motor factors and explosive movement performance were generally low to very low. These results indicate that trunk muscle functions of football players can be described with three independent motor qualities—trunk power, trunk strength and trunk muscle endurance, with only trunk power being moderately associated with players’ sprinting and jumping performance.

Trunk muscle endurance, strength and flexibility in rural subsistence farmers and urban industrialized adults in western Kenya.

High trunk muscle endurance, strength, and moderate flexibility reportedly help maintain musculoskeletal health, but there is evidence for tradeoffs among these variables as well as sex differences in trunk muscle endurance and strength. To test if these observations extend similarly to both men and women in nonindustrial and industrial environments, we investigated intra-individual associations and group and sex differences in trunk muscle endurance, strength, and flexibility among 74 (35 F, 39 M; age range: 18-61 years) adults from the same Kalenjin-speaking population in western Kenya. We specifically compared men and women from an urban community with professions that do not involve manual labor with rural subsistence farmers, including women who frequently carry heavy loads. Trunk muscle endurance, strength, and flexibility were measured with exercise tests and electromyography (EMG). We found a positive correlation between trunk extensor strength and endurance (R= .271, p≤.05) and no associations between strength or endurance and flexibility. Rural women had higher trunk extensor and flexor endurance, EMG-determined longissimus lumborum endurance, and trunk extensor strength than urban women (all p ≤ .05). Rural women had higher trunk extensor and flexor endurance than rural men (both p ≤ .05). Urban women had lower trunk flexor and extensor endurance than urban men (both p ≤ .01). High levels of physical activity among nonindustrial subsistence farmers, particularly head carrying among women, appear to be associated with high trunk muscle endurance and strength, which may have important benefits for helping maintain musculoskeletal health.

Lumbopelvic sagittal standing posture associations with anthropometry, physical activity levels and trunk muscle endurance in healthy adults.

Background:Various factors, inherited and acquired, are associated with habitual spinal postures.Objective:The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between trunk muscle endurance, anthropometry and physical activity/inactivity and the sagittal standing lumbopelvic posture in pain-free young participants.Methods:In this study, 112 healthy young adults (66 females), with median (IQR) age of 20 years (18.2–22 years), without low back pain, injury or trauma were included. Lumbar curve (LC) and sacral slope (SS) angles were measured in standing with a mobile phone application (iHandy level). Anthropometric, physical activity/inactivity levels (leisure-time sport involvement and sitting hours/day) and abdominal (plank prone bridge test) and paraspinal (Sorensen test) isometric muscle endurance measures were collected.Results:LC and SS angles correlated significantly (, ). Statistically significant differences for both LC () and SS () angles were identified between the male and female participants. A significant negative correlation was identified between the abdominal endurance time and LC (, ); however, the power of this result (56%) was not sufficiently high. The correlation between abdominal endurance and SS was non-significant (, ). In addition, no significant associations were identified between either of the sagittal lumbopelvic angles (LC–SS) in standing and the participants’ body mass index (BMI), paraspinal endurance, leisure-time sport involvement or sitting hours/day.Conclusion:The potential role of preventive exercise in controlling lumbar lordosis via enhancement of the abdominal muscle endurance characteristics requires further confirmation. A subsequent study, performed in a larger population of more diverse occupational involvement and leisure-time physical activity levels, is proposed.

The effects of trunk endurance training on running kinematics and its variability in novice female runners

ABSTRACT The functional importance of trunk muscle strength for running movement is widely recognised, but the kinematic effects of undertaking specific training are unclear. This study investigated the change in joint angle and its variability during running following trunk muscle training. Eighteen young female and novice runners participated. Using Plug-in-gait model with infrared markers attached to the body surface, the lower limb and lumber angles during running were measured, and the variability was examined by calculating the coefficient variation and Lyapunov exponent. Measurements of trunk endurance were also performed. Over four weeks of training, the subjects performed trunk muscle endurance trainings three times a week. Following this intervention, trunk endurance was found to have significantly increased. The Lyapunov exponent of lumbar flexion-extension angle also significantly increased. Moreover, a decreased range of the ankle angle and increased range of the hip angle were observed following the training. These results demonstrate that the trunk training promoted adjustments to lumbar movement and altered the movement patterns of the participants’ lower limbs during running.

The Influence of Nordic Walking on Isokinetic Trunk Muscle Endurance and Sagittal Spinal Curvatures in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment: Age-Specific Indicators.

Nordic walking (NW) is a popular form of rehabilitation. NW improves psychophysical condition in breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study aimed to analyze the effects of NW on functional and postural changes of the trunk in women of different ages after BC. We hypothesized that an age relationship would be found. BC survivors (n = 39) were stratified by age as “middle- aged” (45–59 years) or “older” (60–75 years), then randomly allocated to the training intervention. A study group (SG, n = 19) participated in NW and a control group (CG, n = 20) performed general gymnastics. The sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance were recorded at two time points, pre- and post-training intervention. Significant within NW group changes (p < 0.05) were found for the total work (TW) and average power (AP) of trunk flexors and extensors and the upper thoracic angle in middle-aged women. In older Nordic walkers, significant increases in TW and AP of the trunk flexor muscles were observed, with a negative increase in the trunk inclination angle. In CG, no significant functional or postural changes were observed in response to general gymnastics. NW improved both functional and postural changes in middle-aged women. This study identified the limitations of NW training in older women.

The Relationship Between Functional Movement Screening With Fitness Factors in Female Athlete Students

Objective: The study examines the relationship between Functional Movement Screening (FMS) tests with fitness factors in female athlete students. Methods: The study population includes 30 female athlete students (Mean±SD of age: 23.36±3.10; height: 163.45±5.06; and 57.40±6.43). FMS test was used for measuring movement patterns. Sargent test was used to measure lower limb power, Y-test was used to measure dynamic balance, Stork test was used to measure static balance, and flexor/extensor muscle endurance tests were also used to measure trunk muscle endurance. In addition, Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between scores of functional motion screening and fitness factors. Multivariate regression was used to solve the linear regression equation. The data analyzed in SPSS software, V. 22 at significance level of P≥0.05. Results: Our results showed no significant relationship between FMS test with fitness factors (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between total score of FMS test with fitness factors. It seems that FMS addresses the quality of basic motor activities while fitness factors determine sport skills; thus, FMS scores can’t explain fitness factors.

Association between core stability and physical function, functional performance in patients with systemic sclerosis.

To investigate the association of core stability with physical function and functional performance in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Forty patients who met the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism 2013 classification criteria for SSc were included in the cross-sectional study. For evaluation of core stability, trunk muscle endurance and trunk muscle strength were assessed. Trunk extensor and trunk flexor endurance tests were used for assessment of trunk muscle endurance. Trunk muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer and modified sit-up test. To measure physical function the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and to measure functional performance 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and sit-to-stand test (STS) were used. Patients with SSc had lower mean trunk extensor and flexor endurance test times (49.87±30.81 and 32.17±15.42seconds, respectively), modified sit-up test repetition (17.42±7.81) and trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength (7.48±2.29kg and 6.20±1.68kg, respectively) when compared to the reference values in healthy individuals. All measurements were used to evaluate core stability associated with HAQ-DI score, 6DMWT walking distance and STS test duration (all P<.05). Patients with SSc have markedly reduced core stability and this negatively affects the physical function and functional performance. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of trunk muscle in patients with SSc. We suggest that not only upper-lower extremity muscles, but also trunk muscle strength and endurance should be measured and core stability exercises can be added to the training programs to maintain and/or improve physical functions and functional performance in SSc patients.

Effects of combining core muscle activation with treadmill walk on endurance of trunk muscles: A pilot study

Background: Abdominal bracing is one of the most effective techniques for core muscle training, which if combined with treadmill walk (TW) could provide trunk muscle endurance Trunk muscle endurance, despite being observed as an important factor and a huge component of core spinal stability, especially in holding up the spine during prolonged functional activity, prevention and rehabilitation of lumbar mechanical problems and performance enhancer in sports, the impacts of combining core muscle activation with TW exercises on trunk muscle endurance has not be succinctly investigated. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combining abdominal bracing with TW on trunk muscles endurance. Materials and Methods: Eighteen apparently healthy young adults were randomized into three groups (TW without abdominal bracing, TW combined with abdominal bracing and control). McGill endurance test measures were carried out at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. All participants followed the assigned intervention protocols. Results: One way analysis of variance did not show a significant between-group difference in the postintervention endurance of trunk muscle among the three groups (P > 0.05). In the TW combined with the abdominal bracing group, paired-t test showed significant within-group difference in the form of an increase in the holding times (endurance) for the right lateral flexors (t = −3.758, P = 0.013), left lateral flexors (t = −4.096, P = 0.005), and extensors (t = −2.441, P = 0.050). Conclusion: Combining abdominal bracing with TW can be used to improve trunk muscle function through facilitation of trunk muscle endurance.