The Myth of Core Stability
Print This Post
By Sal | July 29, 2009
Professor Lederman challenges the conventional wisdom that has been used to justify the methods employed by those who present core stability training as a way to prevent and rehabilitate from injuries of the lower back, to improve general conditioning and as a way to prepare for sport.You can download the complete paper, complete with references, at this link, http://www.cpdo.net/myth_of_core_stability.doc.
Professor Lederman notes in the abstract to his paper that there has been little critical review of this subject despite the ample evidence, that’s been available for a decade, that calls into question the effectiveness of the currently accepted methods for core stability training. The entire paper – with the citations of the studies the professor uses to bolster his position – is available online, and is a must read for fitness consumer and fitness professional alike.
According to Professor Lederman six assumptions have been made in the development of CS training.
- Certain muscles are more important for stabilization of the spine, in particular the transverse abdominus (TrA)
- That weak abdominal muscles lead to back pain
- Strengthening the abdominal or trunk muscles can reduce back pain
- That there is a unique group of “core” muscles working independently of other trunk muscles
- That a strong core will prevent injury
- That there is a relationship between stability and back pain
Personal trainers and strength coaches who, for years, have been telling clients that developing the abdominal muscles are the key to having a strong core, and have had clients work out while on all fours, lying on their backs, sides or front in the efforts to develop core strength will be severely disappointed.
The professor provides details of studies that indicate no correlation between strength of abdominal muscles and incidence of backache, and that “there is little evidence that localized musculoskeletal mechanical issues, including spinal stability play a role in the development of lower back pain.” These studies dealing with pregnant women reveal that the “dramatic postural, mechanical and functional changes to the trunk and lumbar spine seem to have an insignificant role in the development of back pain during pregnancy.” Other studies show that, despite these massive changes to the muscular integrity of the “core,” the spine does not collapse. Lederman asks, “Has the relationship between abdominal muscles and spinal stability been over-emphasized?” It’s clear that he is making the case that the answer to this question is, “Absolutely.”
Check back next week for part two of the review of, “The Myth of Core Stability.”
Related Posts
Topics: Personal Trainer Coaching | No Comments »
Comments
« Five Questions for a Five-Star Fitness Professional, Eric Burkhardt – Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Long Beach State | Home | The Myth of Core Stability, Part 2 »