Assessment of the influence of global and local exercises on core stabilization mechanisms: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Over the last few years, various concepts of applying core stabilization mechanisms in the formation of human motor function have come to existence. The objective of the research was to assess the influence of two types of core stability training on deep abdominal muscle thickness and on global trunk mobility.

Methods: The study involved 108 individuals divided into 3 groups: LT (local training), performing the stability training based on locally isolated work of the transversus abdominis muscle; GT (global training), performing the training based on global movement patterns; and CG (control group), who did not undergo the training. The workout programs comprised 4 weeks of the exercise, 4 times a week. The measurement of the observed muscle thickness was carried out by means of ultrasound imaging. Trunk mobility was evaluated based on the toe-touch test, as well as the measurement of lateral flexion ranges. All the measurements were performed before the workout programs, right after finishing and 2 weeks after the end of the training cycle.

Results: Both training concepts have an impact on deep abdominal muscle thickness; however, in the LT group, significant improvement was noted with regard to the transversus abdominis, whereas in the GT group the improvement concerned the external oblique muscle. Both training methods also improved trunk mobility in the sagittal and frontal plane.

Conclusions: The results we have obtained imply that both concepts of core stability training affect the human body at a structural as well as functional level. The application of the described training methods may not only provide measurable benefits in the field of clinical physiotherapy, for instance in the treatment of spine-related back pain, but also in motor training designed to improve athletes' performance and to minimize the risk of injury.