Chapter 9: Core Training Concepts Flashcards
core
the structures that make up the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), including the lumbar spine, the pelvic girdle, abdomen, and the hip joint
drawing-in maneuver
a maneuver used to recruit the local core stabilizers by drawing the navel in toward the spine
bracing
occurs when you have contracted both the abdominal, lower back, and buttock muscles at the same time
what is the objective of core training?
to uniformly strengthen the deep and superficial muscles that stabilize, align, and move the trunk of the body, especially the abdominals and muscles of the back
what does a properly designed core training program help an individual gain?
neuromuscular, stability, muscular endurance, strength, and power of the core
where is the body’s center of gravity located?
the core
where does all movement originate?
the core
what is a strong and efficient core necessary for?
maintaining proper muscle balance throughout the entire human movement system (kinetic chain)
what establishes neuromuscular efficiency throughout the entire human movement system?
- optimal lengths (or length-tension relationships), recruitment patterns (or force-couple relationships), and joint motions (or arthrokinematics) in the muscles of the LPHC
- these factors allow for efficient acceleration, deceleration, and stabilization during dynamic movements, as well as the prevention of possible injuries
what is the core musculature divided into?
- local stabilization system
- global stabilization system
- movement system
what is required to maintain core stability?
neuromuscular control of the local and global stabilization systems and the movement system, ensuring sequential coordinated activation of all systems at the right time with the right amount of force
where do the local stabilizers attach?
directly to the vertebrae
what do the local stabilizer muscles primarily consist of?
type 1 (slow twitch) muscle fivers with a high density of muscle spindles
what are core stabilizing muscles primarily responsible for?
intervertebral and intersegmental stability
what do core stabilizing muscles work to limit?
excessive compressive, shear, and rotational forces between spinal segments
what is the function of the core stabilizing muscles
- to provide support from vertebra to vertebra
- aid in proprioception and postural control because of their high density of muscle spindles
primary muscles of the local stabilization system?
- transverses abdominis
- internal obliques
- multifidus
- pelvic floor musculature
- diaphragm
how to the local stabilizers contribute to segmental spinal stability?
- by increasing intra-abdominal pressure (pressure within the abdominal cavity)
- by generating tension in the thoracolumbar fascia (connective tissue of the low back), thus increasing spinal stiffness for improved intersegmental neuromuscular control
what does optimal neuromuscular control allow for?
- normal length-tension relationships, force-couple relationships, joint arthrokinematics
- these factors lead to optimal sensorimotor integration, optimal neuromuscular efficiency, and optimal tissue recovery
primary muscles of the global stabilization system
- quadratus lumborum
- psoas major
- external oblique
- portions of internal oblique
- rectus abdominis
- gluteus medius
- adductor complex (adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, pectineus)
primary muscles of the movement system
- latissimus dorsi
- hip flexors
- hamstring complex
- quadriceps
where do the muscles of the globalization system attach?
from the pelvis to the spine
what do the global stabilization system muscles do?
- transfer loads between the upper extremity and lower extremity
- provide stability between the pelvis and the spine
- provide eccentric control of the core during functional movements
where do the movement system muscles attach?
the spine and/or pelvis to the extremities
what are the movement system muscles primarily responsible for?
concentric force production and eccentric deceleration during dynamic activities
what do all of the muscles within each system provide?
dynamic stabilization in all planes of movement during functional activities and neuromuscular control of the entire core (LPHC)
what do all the muscles within each system do?
- produce force (concentric contractions)
- reduce force (eccentric actions)
true or false: the core muscles can effectively achieve stabilization of the LPHC in isolation
- in isolation these muscles do not effectively achieve stabilization of the LPHC
- it is through their synergistic interdependent functioning that they enhance stability and neuromuscular control
stabilization systems from the inside out
local stabilization system > global stabilization system > movement system
true or false: training the movement system muscles before training the muscles of the global and local stabilization systems would not make sense from both a structural and biomechanical standpoint
- TRUE
- doing so would be analogous to building a house without a foundation
- the foundation must be developed first to provide a stable platform for the remaining components of the house to be built on
- one must be stable first to move efficiently
true or false: few people have properly developed the local stabilization muscles required for intervertebral stabilization
TRUE
what is required for the body to effectively use the strength, power, and endurance that has been developed in the primer movers?
the body’s core stabilization system has to be operating with maximal efficiency
what happens if the movement system musculature of the core is strong and the local stabilization system is weak?
- the kinetic chain senses imbalance and forces are not transferred or used properly
- this leads to compensation, synergist dominance, and inefficient movements
what does a weak core cause?
- inefficient movement, which can lead to predictable patterns of injury
- this results in lack of stabilization and unwanted motion of the individual vertebrae, thus increasing forces throughout the LPHC that may result in low-back pain and injury
what happens if the core is unstable during movement?
it does not allow for optimal stabilization, force reduction, force production, and transference to occur throughout the kinetic chain
individuals with chronic low-back pain have decreased activation of what muscle groups?
- transverse abdominis
- internal obliques
- pelvic floor muscles
- multifidus
- diaphragm
- deep erector spinae
- also weaker back extensor muscles and decreased muscular endurance
what is an independent risk factor for developing low-back pain?
trunk muscle weakness
true or false: numerous studies support the role of core training in the prevention and rehabilitation of LBP
TRUE