The effect of a six-week core stability training intervention on muscle activation of the external obliques and transversus abdominis, and overall lower abdominal performance

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Date
12/1/2004
Keywords
athletic training , 2004
Authors
Gale, Stephanie Diane
Description
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a six-week core stability training intervention utilizing a foam roller, increased muscle activation of the external obliques (EO) and transversus abdominis (TrA), and over all lower abdominal performance. A total of 3 0 uninjured, female subjects (mean age = 19.97, + 1.47 years; mean height = 164.40, + 6.72 cm; mean weight = 64.23, + 9.20 kg)were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Electromyography (EMG) of the EO was measured during a resisted knee roll. The Stabilizerâ„¢ pressure biofeedback unit (Chattanooga, Australia) measured TrA activation, and Sahrmann's Lower Abdominal Series measured overall lower abdominal performance. Following a core stability training program utilizing a foam roller, subjects in the experimental group showed a significant (p < .05) increase in TrA activation and overall lower abdominal performance relative to the control group. Subjects in the control group showed no statistically significant change. The findings of the study suggest that a foam roller core stability training intervention can increase activation of the TrA and provide an overall increase in lower abdominal performance.
Identifier
psu-etd-089