Role & Function of Core Stability

Core stability is a system of muscles including the transversus abdominals in the front, the gluteals and paraspinals in the back, together with the pelvic floor and hip girdle muscles.  The aim of core stability is to help stabilise the spine and pelvis during movement.  Weakness in the core can lead to inefficient movement, overuse, imbalance, poor coordination, overuse and injury.  Furthermore, it is important to master the basic core stability exercises as they are the foundation of more advanced movement patterns.  Academic researchers, Hodges and Richardson state that it is important how the deep abdominals are recruited , not that they are. Those with lower back problems can sometimes find it difficult to engage the deep lower muscles early enough to stabilise the spine.  In order to gain maximum benefits, a thorough individualised program to assess and address imbalance along with monitoring sufficient recruitment would prove beneficial.