gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The importance of core stability on posture is well acknowledged but the exact role of these complex processes on trunk functionality remains unknown. The interaction between the M. multifidii, M. transversus abdominis, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor provides the basis for upright posture [1]. Any impairment or insufficiency can rapidly lead to musculosceletal disorders and associated functional deficits [1], [2]. Until recently, objective measurement of the core stability has been limited to a combination of clinical scores [3], muscle activity measurements using EMG [4] or sonographic measurements of the M. transversus abdominis [5]. However, the evaluation of upright posture requires assessment in a dynamic setting. The goal of the present work is to provide data on functional dynamic measurement of core stability.

Material/Methods: Thirteen elite athletes and eleven untrained controls were assessed for trunk stability in a one-legged standing posture on an unstable surface (Posturomed) during the application of a standardised anterior perturbation. Measurement of trunk kinematics was performed using an optical measurement system (Vicon, Oxford, UK). In addition, combination of clinical scores for core stability were performed.

Results: Significantly reduced movement of the trunk was observed in the athlete group. Hereby, the median of movement (shoulder girdle and pelvic ring acting as reference points) was reduced 4 times in comparison to untrained persons. The data demonstrate that trained athletes achieve trunk stability with less amplitude in motion.

Conclusion: To achieve core stability sensomotoric and muscular coordination have to perform as a complex system. We demonstrate in this study that core stability can be measured in a functional and dynamic setting. The system provides a platform to obtain quantifiable data on the functional stability of the trunk and can be used to evaluate early training effects of physical intervention.