Effects of Core Stability Training on the Function and Control of Deep Stabilizing Muscles

This study investigates the effects of core stability training on the functionality and control of deep stabilizing muscles in healthy adults. Core stability exercises focus on strengthening the transversus abdominis and related core muscles to prevent and manage low back pain. Participants are randomly assigned to either the experimental group, performing core stability exercises on unstable surfaces such as a reformer, or the control group, performing aerobic exercises. Outcomes are measured by changes in muscle thickness and contraction time using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, aiming to demonstrate the potential of core stabilization for enhancing spine support and reducing lower back pain.

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Key information

Conditions

Core Stability

Age range

20 year–29 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungdong University

Wŏnju, Gangwon-do, 26495, South Korea

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Aged between 20 and 29 years
Healthy adults who can understand and complete the planned training program
Individuals who have signed informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

Individuals with balance disorders due to orthopedic or neurological conditions
Those with cardiopulmonary diseases
Individuals who have undergone surgery within the past 6 months
Persons with other physical disabilities that could interfere with the study
Individuals who have participated in similar studies recently
Pregnant individuals

Treatment and study plan

Core Stability Training

Behavioral

Participants in this group undergo core stability training sessions targeting deep stabilizing muscles. The exercises are designed to enhance spinal support and core control by activating the transversus abdominis and other core muscles. Sessions involve the use of a Pilates reformer and other unstable surfaces, fostering proprioceptive engagement and improved muscle coordination. Training is conducted three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 50 minutes.

Aerobic Exercise

Behavioral

Participants in this group engage in aerobic exercise sessions that consist of warm-up, controlled-intensity walking, and a cool-down phase. This intervention serves as a comparative baseline, aiming to improve cardiovascular endurance without specifically targeting core stability. The aerobic routine is adjusted over time to increase exercise intensity, conducted three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 50 minutes.

Primary outcomes

Thickness of Deep Stabilizing Muscles

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention

The thickness of the core stabilizing muscles, including the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique, is measured using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI). For this assessment, a 10 MHz linear probe or a 3.5 MHz convex probe is positioned 2.5 cm lateral to the umbilicus while the participant lies in a supine position. The measurement captures the distance between the upper and lower fascial layers of each muscle, providing an indication of muscle thickness. Three measurements are taken, and the median value is used in analysis.
Contraction Time of Deep Stabilizing Muscles

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention

This measure assesses the contraction time of deep stabilizing muscles, specifically during a hollowing exercise where the participant engages the transversus abdominis and other abdominal muscles. Using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), the probe is positioned 2.5 cm lateral to the umbilicus to observe muscle activation. Contraction time is recorded as the duration from the onset of muscle activation to full contraction. Measurements are taken three times, with the median value used for analysis.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kyungdong University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Nov 4, 2024
Registry last updated: Jan 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed