core stability methods

[Canuck Physio]

Hi canuck_physio,

What is your idea of what the "core" actually is??

I complete a combination of exercises targeting the rec abs, and include exercises that allow me to isolate the TrA. Creating INtra-abdominal pressure during heavy lifts. Avoiding the use of the belt. (When I mentioned the evidence was lacking, I meant in reference to back injuries in relation to outcome measures - which is difficult to measure).
Back_Strong_Figure5.jpg

[physiofixme]

Hi all

I've joined this forum late and can't believe I've missed it because I LOVE the whole topic of core strength and pelvic stability. I'm also a fan of Peter O'Sullivan's work. His studies focus on when the transverse abs are switched on and when they aren't. He found that too much lumbar flexion (or extension for that matter) inhibits TrAb activity.................so going back to original question about introducing lumbar flexion while teaching core stability he would say that in lumbar flexion the transverse abdominal activity is inhibited.

Also an important point is that supine positions are really just for isolating activity and teaching the technique.......then ultimately getting people to do core strength exercises in an upright position and still be able to isolate TrAb and multifidis while performing a squat, upright lift etc as these are the more functional positions....this is when people need to be able to use their core. Good core muscle activity in supine is all very well but no good if a patient can't transfer this to an upright position.

I'd also wonder about introducing too much lumbar flexion in to core strength exercises in someone recovering from back injury???