Does Core Strength Training Influence Running Kinetics, Lower-Extremity Stability, and 5000-m Performance in Runners?

Abstract

Although strong core muscles are believed to help athletic performance, few scientific studies have been conducted to identify the effectiveness of core strength training (CST) on improving athletic performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 6 weeks of CST on ground reaction forces (GRFs), stability of the lower extremity, and overall running performance in recreational and competitive runners. After a screening process, 28 healthy adults (age, 36.9 +/- 9.4 years; height, 168.4 +/- 9.6 cm; mass, 70.1 +/- 15.3 kg) volunteered and were divided randomly into 2 groups (n = 14 in each group). A test-retest design was used to assess the differences between CST (experimental) and no CST (control) on GRF measures, lower-extremity stability scores, and running performance. The GRF variables were determined by calculating peak impact, active vertical GRFs (vGRFs), and duration of the 2 horizontal GRFs (hGRFs), as measured while running across a force plate. Lower-extremity stability was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Running performance was determined by 5000-m run time measured on outdoor tracks. Six 2 (pre, post) x 2 (CST, control) mixed-design analyses of variance were used to determine the influence of CST on each dependent variable, p < 0.05. Twenty subjects completed the study (nexp = 12 and ncon = 8). A significant interaction occurred, with the CST group showing faster times in the 5000-m run after 6 weeks. However, CST did not significantly influence GRF variables and lower-leg stability. Core strength training may be an effective training method for improving performance in runners.

Trunk extensor fatigue decreases jump height similarly under stable and unstable conditions with experienced jumpers

“…Secondly, with skilled jumpers, a moderately unstable surface may not change the jumping strategy and thus not affect performance (Ferris & Farley, 1997). When examining the effects of core stability training in experienced runners, Sato and Mokha (2009) could not establish a significant link between core training over six weeks and any improvement in lower limb stability or ground reaction forces. They suggested that the mechanics of running…”

“…For instance, when examining the effects of core stability training in experienced runners, Sato and Mokha (2009) could not establish a significant link between core training over six weeks and any improvement in lower limb stability or ground reaction forces. They suggested that the mechanics of running were not affected with experienced runners when core musculature conditioning is improved.…”

“Functional” Inspiratory and Core Muscle Training Enhances Running Performance and Economy

“…The apparently crucial role of the CM during exercise has led to the suggestion that enhancing CM function would improve sports performance. However, most previous studies have failed to support this suggestion (10,18,19,22). Given the closely integrated relationship between CM and IM contributions to sports performance, it is perhaps unsurprising that interventions focussing only on the CM should fail to identify an improvement in sports performance.…”

Electromyographic Analysis of Transversus Abdominis and Lumbar Multifidus Using Wire Electrodes During Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

“…Butcher et al 6 reported that LSEs significantly increased vertical takeoff velocity in athletes. Sato et al 32 also demonstrated the effectiveness of LSEs for improving performance.…”