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What is Core Stability?

by | Full body

Core stability is important for good movement

Core stability can be described as the ability of the pelvic floor, diaphragm, spinal stabilisers and abdominal muscles to control and support the spine during movement. It plays an important role in postural support and movement control.

What is the core made up of?

The core can be described as a cylinder as illustrated below:

Diagram showing the contributory components to core stability.

Functions of the core

  1. Stabilises the spine and pelvis, and regulates postural stability.⁵
  2. The core plays a role in force transfer between the upper and lower body.⁴
  3. Maintenance of balance and co-ordination.⁷
  4. Breathing and pressure regulation in the abdominal cavity.³

Why do we need good core stability?

There is a strong correlation between a stable core and managing lower back pain.⁵ We need a strong core for injury prevention and maintaining a functional posture.¹

The relationship between Pilates and the core

Pilates is a mind-body type of exercise that is aimed to improve muscle strength and flexibility. Pilates exercises target the pelvic floor muscles, spinal stabilisers and deep abdominal muscles – which collectively focus on strengthening the core.

Our Paulshof and Douglasdale Lamberti Physiotherapy practices offer Pilates classes. Please contact us for more information.

References:

  1. Akuthota, V., & Nadler, S. F. (2004). Core strengthening. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(3 Suppl 1), S86–S92.
  2. Avers, D. (2020). Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults. In D. Avers & R. Wong (Eds.), Guccione’s Geriatric Physical Therapy (4th ed., pp. 166–200). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-60912-8.00008-7
  3. Chaitow, L., & Lovegrove, C. (2012). Diaphragm dysfunction: Its detection and management, part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(1), 79–86.
  4. Kibler, W. Ben, Press, Joel, and Sciascia, Aaron. (2006). The Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function, Sports Medicine, 36(3), 189–198.
  5. Sannasi, R., Dakshinamurthy, A., Dommerholt, J., Desai, V., Kumar, A., & Sugavanam, T. (2023). Diaphragm and core stabilization exercises in low back pain: A narrative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 36, 221–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.07.008
  6. Sekendiz, B., Altun, Ö., Korkusuz, F., & Akin, S. (2007). Effects of Pilates exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult females. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(4), 318–326.
  7. Willson, J. D., Dougherty, C. P., Ireland, M. L., & Davis, I. M. (2005). Core stability and its relationship to lower extremity function and injury. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 13(5), 316–325.