Originally published September 14 2005
Core-stability training prevents injury and enhances musculoskeletal health
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Core-stability training that concentrates training on the trunk, hips, abdominal muscles and small muscles in the spinal column is proven effective in improving motor activity because it improves the interactions between the body's core and the extremities.
Whether you're a 20-something weekend warrior on the treadmill or a senior-aged yoga enthusiast, core stability-building exercises should be the staple component of any fitness routine.
Core stability can improve posture, coordination, enhance physical functioning in daily living and help protect vulnerable joints and muscles from injury.
According to a study published in the September 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, while there is a commonly-held belief that people with core deficiencies -- limited core stability or related to a pre-existing injury -- may be at increased risk for sustaining lower extremity injuries, this notion requires further investigation.
Not to be confused with 'core strengthening,' core stability -- as defined by the study authors -- is the interaction of strength and coordination of these muscles during activity.
People with delayed trunk muscle activity or hip muscle weakness have increased potential for core instability, and may be at greater risk for lower back pain or various lower extremity injuries.
Athletes, on the other hand, often experience much greater loads in their extremities, which place greater demands on core musculature.
People who display appropriate activation of core musculature, good global core strength and an ability to incorporate the action of these muscles into activities specific to their functional goals possess the critical components to stabilize the core.
"Because core stability is a complex phenomenon and no single test accurately measures a person's ability to demonstrate this skill, there is a need for a standardized means of measuring the strength and endurance of a variety of core muscles," explained Mary Lloyd Ireland, MD, co-author and orthopaedic surgeon at the Kentucky Sports Medicine Clinic in Lexington.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml