Exercise Intensity Progressions and Criteria to Prescribe Core Stability Exercises in Young Physically Active Men: A Smartphone Accelerometer-Based Study.

ABSTRACT: Heredia-Elvar, JR, Juan-Recio, C, Prat-Luri, A, Barbado, D, Ríos-Calonge, Jdl, and Vera-Garcia, FJ. Exercise intensity progressions and criteria to prescribe core stability exercises in young physically active men: a smartphone accelerometer-based study. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 266-273, 2024-The establishment of core stability (CS) exercise intensity progressions in sport and clinical settings is normally based on subjective criteria. Therefore, this study aimed to develop exercise intensity progressions for some of the most common CS exercises through smartphone accelerometry and to analyze the effect of the subjects' lumbopelvic postural control on these progressions. Fifty-seven healthy young physically active male students performed 7 isometric variations of front bridge, back bridge, side bridge, and bird-dog exercises with a smartphone accelerometer placed on the pelvis. Mean pelvic accelerations were calculated during each variation to evaluate the lumbopelvic postural control challenge imposed on the subjects as an index of exercise intensity of difficulty. For the bridge exercises, long bridging produced higher pelvic accelerations than short bridging, bridging with single-leg support was more intense than bridging with double-leg support (even with both legs on a hemisphere ball for the back and front bridge), and the most difficult variations were those performed on a Swiss ball, mainly the variations with single-leg support. For the bird-dog exercise, the 2-point positions were more intense than the 3-point positions, the variations performed with a knee on the hemisphere ball produced higher pelvic accelerations than similar variations performed with the forearm on the hemisphere ball, and the variations with limb motions generated higher pelvic accelerations than similar variations performed without limb motions. Although the CS exercise progressions were very similar across subjects, our results showed the need to individualize the prescription of the CS exercise progressions based on the subjects' lumbopelvic postural control level.

Effects of proprioception and core stability training followed by detraining on balance performance in deaf male students: a three-arm randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Children with hearing impairment are unable to speak and may suffer from some physical problems such as weakness in postural performance ability and development. The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of proprioception versus core stability training for an 8-week period followed by a 6-month detraining protocol on the balance performance of deaf students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial design of three groups in blinded evaluators. The study was conducted at the school gym. A total of 30 participants, of male deaf students, were randomized into three groups: (1) one group receiving proprioception training (PT, n = 10), (2), one group receiving core stability training (CST, n = 10) for 8 weeks, and (3), and control group (CON, n = 10). The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test and Y-balance test assess static and dynamic balance at pre- and post-training following a 6-month detraining. RESULTS: Post 8 weeks of training intervention, PT and CST values showed significant improvements in both static (p = 0.001) and dynamic (p = 0.001) balance. Following the 6-month detraining, only the PT group maintained their improvements in both the static and dynamic balance tests (p = 0.348) and the CST group showed decreases in the balance tests (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that 8 weeks rehabilitation program (PT and CST) is an optimum training modality to enhance balance in deaf students and PT induces more training effects than CST for maintaining training benefits following the detraining. Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20170312033029N2; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/25584; Trial Id: 25584; Registration date: 2017-12-08; Study start date; 2017-12-22.

Prediction of rowing ergometer performance by technical and core stability parameters.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of technical and core stability parameters on rowing ergometer performance defined as mean power at the handle. Twenty-four high-level rowers were evaluated at their competitive stroke rate on an instrumented RowPerfect 3 ergometer to determine leg, trunk and arm power output, while trunk and pelvis 3D kinematics were measured. Linear mixed models revealed that mean power at the handle was predicted by the power output of legs, trunk and arms (r2 = 0.99), with trunk power being the best predictor. Time to peak power, work ratio and mean to peak power ratio were relevant technical parameters significantly predicting the different segments' power. In addition, a greater trunk range of motion significantly influenced the power produced by this segment. Accordingly, achieving an earlier peak power together with enhanced work production at the trunk and arm levels, as well as distributing the segments power over the whole drive phase, could serve as recommendations for technical training of rowers on dynamic ergometers in order to produce higher power output. Furthermore, the trunk appears to play a major role as a power producer within the kinetic chain from the legs to the arms.

Is core stability training effective in temporomandibular disorder? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of core stability training on pain, function, quality of life, and posture in individuals with temporomandibular disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were divided into the following: the core stability group and the control group. For pain assessment, the Graded Chronic Pain Scale 2.0; for function, the 20-item Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20); for oral health-related quality of life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14); and for posture assessment, the New York Scale were used. Rocabado exercises were applied to the control group. Additionally, spinal stabilization exercises were applied for the core stability group for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Both types of exercise contribute positively to the quality of life associated with oral health. Rocabado exercise provided a significant change in Chronic Pain Intensity and Disability Score. CONCLUSION: Rocabado exercise and core stability training, implemented with Rocabado, provide significant changes in pain values. When evaluated in terms of function, no significant difference was found in both exercise programs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Core stability training with Rocabado provides significant changes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04755621.

The Effect of McGill Core Stability Training on Movement Patterns, Shooting Accuracy, and Throwing Performance in Male Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Core stability training has been recommended as a vital element in improving movement's pattern and athletic performance. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-week McGill core stability training on movement patterns, shooting accuracy, and throwing performance. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University research laboratory. METHODS: Forty male basketball players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed 12-week McGill core stability training, while the control group completed routine exercise training. Patterns of functional movements was measured through functional movement screen (FMS), shooting accuracy measured by static 3-point shooting (S3P) and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test, and throwing performance measured by Functional Throwing Performance Index. RESULTS: Comparison revealed that regardless of received training, after 12 weeks both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures. However, experimental group had significantly higher post test scores in FMS (P = .02), S3P (P = .007), and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P = .01). For Functional Throwing Performance Index, there was no group differences (P = .96). The results of follow-up assessments showed for all measurements including FMS (P = .03), S3P (P = .004), dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P < .001), and Functional Throwing Performance Index (P = .005); experimental group had higher scores than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, implementing McGill core stability training in basketball routine training would be advisable since significant improvement can be obtained in the measured parameters.

Effectiveness of a Core Stability Exercise Program on Pain and Function in Musicians with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Low back pain (LBP) is relatively common among the musician population. Few studies have looked at the usefulness of a core stability exercise program in musicians suffering from LBP. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a core stability exercise program on pain and improvement of function in musicians with LBP. METHODS: A total of 41 university-level instrumental musicians with nonspecific LBP who played piano, violin, or cello were randomly allocated to one of two groups in a randomized controlled trial. One person from the control group was lost to follow-up. Thus, 40 participants (23 females and 17 males) completed the study. The intervention group received education and a 12-week core stability exercise program. The control group only received an educational brochure. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to determine the severity of pain and functional status, respectively. Data were collected by an independent, blinded evaluator at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after baseline. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significant improvement in pain severity on the VAS and functional status on the ODI during all times of follow up, whereas the scores of pain and function worsened in the control group at 24 weeks. Between-group analysis showed significant difference in pain intensity at both weeks 12 and 24 of follow-up. However, for functional status, the difference was only significant after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A structured core stability exercise program supplemented with an educational brochure was effective to manage LBP in musicians.

The effects of supervised versus home Pilates-based core stability training on lower extremity muscle strength and postural sway in people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Pilates-based core stability training (PBCST) is a controlled form of exercise that may improve the transmission of torque from the upper extremities and trunk to the lower extremities by enabling the core muscles to activate effectively. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PBCST given as supervised or home-based on lower extremity strength and postural control in multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Fifty individuals were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. Primary outcome measures were knee muscle strength and postural sway in different conditions. The supervised group received PBCST 2 days per week for 8 weeks at the clinic, and the other group performed PBCST at home. Exercises were progressed every 2 weeks in both groups. RESULTS: Between groups, the supervised group was mostly superior to the home group (p < 0.05). A significant improvement was noted in all parameters in both groups, except some sub-parameters of postural sway in home PBCST (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Supervised PBCST was determined to be more effective than home PBCST in improving strength, postural control, core stability, physical capacity, and fatigue. Although supervised training is the primary choice, home training can be recommended to patients who have limitations attending supervised sessions.

Risk factors for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs participating in canine agility.

BACKGROUND: Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is one of the most common causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. Risk factors for CCLR include breed (especially large and giant breeds), body weight, gender and spay/neuter status, and age. Few studies have evaluated physical activity and fitness indicators, however, as risk factors for disease. This study used an online questionnaire distributed primarily via social media to assess risk factors for CCLR in dogs actively engaged in agility training or competition to determine demographic and physical activity factors associated with rupture. RESULTS: Data from 260 dogs with CCLR were compared to similar data from 1006 dogs without CCLR. All dogs were actively training or competing in agility at the time of CCLR or the time of data submission, respectively. Physical characteristics associated with increased risk of CCLR included younger age, spayed female sex, greater body weight, and greater weight to height ratio. Agility activities associated with increased odds ratios included competition in events sponsored by the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), competing at novice and intermediate levels, and competing in fewer than 10 events/year. Odds ratios were lower in dogs that competed in events sponsored by United Kingdom Agility International (UKI). Other activities associated with increased odds ratio for CCLR included involvement in flyball activities and short walks or runs over hilly or flat terrain on a weekly basis. Activities associated with decreased odds ratio included involvement in dock diving, barn hunt, nosework, or lure coursing/racing activities and participation in core balance and strength exercises at least weekly. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that body weight and spay/neuter status are risk factors for CCLR in dogs. This is the first report to demonstrate that risk of CCLR in agility dogs is decreased in dogs that engage in regular core strengthening exercises, compete more frequently, compete at higher levels, and compete in more athletically challenging venues.

Efficacy of core stability training on upper extremity performance in collegiate athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a five-week core stability training program for collegiate athletes on upper extremity performance measures. METHODS: Seventy healthy collegiate athletes (age 21.6±1.7years; height 175±4.63 cm; body mass 65.31±5.63 kg) were randomly allocated to experimental (n=35) and control group (n=35). The experimental group has undergone a five-week core stabilisation protocol (three days /week) and regular training, whereas the control group maintained their regular training. The upper quarter Y balance test (UQ-YBT) and Functional throwing performance index (FTPI) were assessed pre and post-training. RESULTS: The results of mixed ANOVA show that there was a significant interaction between time and group variables on YBT (p<0.001, ηp2 =0.759) and FTPI (p<0.001, ηp2 =0.411) after five weeks of core stability training. Statistically, significant improvement was shown in YBT (mean change=15.2, p<0.001) and FTPI (mean change=14.4, p<0.001) in the experimental group; however, there was no significant change observed in both outcomes in the control groups. CONCLUSION: After five weeks of core stabilisation training program, the measures of UQ-YBT and FTPI were improved, thus advocating the use of a core stabilisation training program among collegiate athletes to enhance their upper extremity performance.

Short-term effects of lumbopelvic complex stability training in elite female road cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term lumbopelvic stability training on muscular endurance and stability in elite female cyclists. METHODS: Twenty-four female road cyclists were randomly allocated to a core training group (CTG, n=12) or control group (CG, n=12). In addition to their scheduled training the CTG performed a core training program, that consisted of 6 core exercises performed in a session every other day until a total of 8 training sessions were completed. The CG did not receive the core training program and completed their scheduled training. The lumbopelvic-hip complex was assessed pre- and post-core program included the following exercises: single leg deadlift (SLD), bird-dog (BD), plank test (PT), and side-bridge plank test (SPT). RESULTS: In comparison to CG, CTG significantly improved the time to failure in PT, SPT-Left, and SPT-Right (p<0.05). Further, CTG resulted in a significant decrease in SLD (p<0.05) compared to CG for the three accelerometry measures. CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that following 8 sessions of lumbopelvic stability training muscular endurance and core stability were enhanced.

Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a core stability exercise program on balance, coordination, and severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Forty children with cerebellar ataxic CP (mean age: 6.75±1.35 years) were randomly assigned to a control group and an intervention group for 2 months of follow-up. The control group received a standard physical therapy program three times weekly (1 h per session), while the intervention group received a core stability program for 30 min, in addition to the selected physical therapy program. Both groups were evaluated pre-treatment and post-treatment using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, the Balance Error Scoring Systems scale, Bruininks-Oseretsky tests of motor proficiency, and HUMAC balance system scores. RESULTS: We found statistically significant reductions in the severity of ataxia, as well as improved balance and coordination in both groups, with stronger effects observed in the intervention group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The core stability program can improve balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic CP when incorporated with a standard physical therapy program.

Influence of sidestepping expertise and core stability on knee joint loading during change of direction.

The aims of this study were twofold: first, to compare core stability and knee joint loading between sidestepping experts and nonexperts; secondly, to determine core predictors of knee joint loading. Thirteen handball male players (experts) and 14 karatekas (nonexperts) performed six unanticipated 45° sidestepping manoeuvers, while trunk and pelvis 3D kinematics as well as ground reaction forces were measured, and peak knee abduction moment (PKAM) was determined. Student t-tests enabled a comparison of both groups and a linear mixed model approach was used to identify PKAM predictors. Sidestepping experts demonstrated significantly lower pelvis rotation towards the new movement direction at the initial contact than nonexperts (4.9° vs. 10.8°) and higher PKAM (0.539 vs. 0.321 Nm/kg-bwt). Trunk medial lean, trunk axial rotation and pelvis anterior tilt at the initial contact predicted PKAM, while trunk axial rotation, pelvis medial lean and posterior ground reaction force predicted PKAM during the weight acceptance phase. Despite higher PKAM, handball players might not be at a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury as the knee joint loading remained at a relatively low level during this sidestepping task. Core stability, in its three dimensions, is a key determinant of knee joint loading.

Kinematic Analysis of 360° Turning in Stroke Survivors Using Wearable Motion Sensors.

BACKGROUND: A stroke often bequeaths surviving patients with impaired neuromusculoskeletal systems subjecting them to increased risk of injury (e.g., due to falls) even during activities of daily living. The risk of injuries to such individuals can be related to alterations in their movement. Using inertial sensors to record the digital biomarkers during turning could reveal the relevant turning alterations. OBJECTIVES: In this study, movement alterations in stroke survivors (SS) were studied and compared to healthy individuals (HI) in the entire turning task due to its requirement of synergistic application of multiple bodily systems. METHODS: The motion of 28 participants (14 SS, 14 HI) during turning was captured using a set of four Inertial Measurement Units, placed on their sternum, sacrum, and both shanks. The motion signals were segmented using the temporal and spatial segmentation of the data from the leading and trailing shanks. Several kinematic parameters, including the range of motion and angular velocity of the four body segments, turning time, the number of cycles involved in the turning task, and portion of the stance phase while turning, were extracted for each participant. RESULTS: The results of temporal processing of the data and comparison between the SS and HI showed that SS had more cycles involved in turning, turn duration, stance phase, range of motion in flexion-extension, and lateral bending for sternum and sacrum (p-value < 0.035). However, HI exhibited larger angular velocity in flexion-extension for all four segments. The results of the spatial processing, in agreement with the prior method, showed no difference between the range of motion in flexion-extension of both shanks (p-value > 0.08). However, it revealed that the angular velocity of the shanks of leading and trailing legs in the direction of turn was more extensive in the HI (p-value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in upper/lower body segments of SS could be adequately identified and quantified by IMU sensors. The identified kinematic changes in SS, such as the lower flexion-extension angular velocity of the four body segments and larger lateral bending range of motion in sternum and sacrum compared to HI in turning, could be due to the lack of proper core stability and effect of turning on vestibular system of the participants. This research could facilitate the development of a targeted and efficient rehabilitation program focusing on the affected aspects of turning movement for the stroke community.

Associations between core stability and low back pain in high school baseball players: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced core stability is a potential risk factor for low back pain in athletes. However, the association between core stability and low back pain in high school baseball players has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between core stability and low back pain and its clinical characteristics in high school baseball players. METHODS: Participants comprised 812 high school baseball players who had undergone annual medical evaluations, comprising a self-completed questionnaire and a physical examination. We investigated the relationships between low back pain during the season and on the day of medical evaluations and core stability using a cross-sectional study design. Core stability was assessed using the Sahrmann core stability test. RESULTS: Reduced core stability was confirmed in 358 (44.1%) of all players, 98 (49.5%) pitchers, and 260 (42.3%) fielders. In total, 352 players (43.3%) reported incidents of seasonal low back pain during the previous year. Thirty-five pitchers (17.7%) and 153 fielders (24.9%) reported low back pain on the day of the medical evaluations. No significant associations were seen between low back pain throughout the season and reduced core stability. After adjusting for confounding factors (total amount of practice per week, hamstring tightness and quadriceps tightness) using logistic regression modeling, a significant association between presence of low back pain during lumbar extension movement and reduced core stability was found (odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-6.62; P = 0.033) in pitchers. CONCLUSIONS: High school baseball pitchers with reduced core stability showed a higher probability of reporting low back pain during lumbar extension movement. Evaluation of core stability should be considered in high school baseball players, especially in pitchers.

Correlation between Core Stability and Upper-Extremity Performance in Male Collegiate Athletes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of core stability, as measured by the McGill and double-leg lowering (DLL) test, with upper-extremity performance, as measured by the upper-quarter Y-balance test (UQYBT), medicine ball throw test (MBTT) and functional throwing performance index (FTPI) test, in collegiate athletes. Materials and Methods: A sample of 61 collegiate athletes from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University participated in the study. Their core stability was assessed through their McGill and DLL test scores. Their upper-extremity performance was assessed through their UQYBT, MBTT and FTPI test scores. Results: The McGill test score had a significant strong positive correlation with the MBTT score (p = 0.02, r = 0.67) and a significant moderate positive correlation with the UQYBT score (p = 0.01, r = 0.46). There was no significant correlation between the McGill and FTPI test scores (p ≥ 0.05). The DLL test score was positively correlated with the MBTT score (p = 0.02, r = 0.25) but had no significant correlation with the other sports performance variables (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: The study results suggest that core stability measures are positively correlated with most of the upper-extremity athletic-performance measures in collegiate athletes. The MBTT score was found to be the most significantly correlated with the scores in both core stability tests among all the upper-extremity athletic-performance tests in this study. However, due to the nature of this study, a cause-effect relationship cannot be established on the basis of the study's findings, and the study results should be interpreted with caution.

Relationship Among 3 Different Core Stability Tests in Healthy Young Adults: Validity and Gender Differences.

CONTEXT: Core stability is important for preventing injury and improving performance. Although various tests for evaluating core stability have been reported to date, information on their relationship and the effect of gender differences is limited. This study aimed to (1) identify correlations among the 3 core stability tests and to examine the validity of each test and (2) identify gender differences in the test relationship and determine whether gender influenced test selection. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fifty-one healthy volunteers (27 men and 24 women) participated in the study. The participants underwent the following 3 tests: Sahrmann Core Stability Test (SCST), the lumbar spine motor control tests battery (MCBT), and Y Balance Test (YBT). Each parameter was analyzed according to all parameters and gender using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Overall, there was a strong positive correlation between SCST and MCBT and moderate positive correlations between SCST and YBT and between MCBT and YBT. Conversely, gender-specific analyses revealed no significant correlations between YBT and SCST and between YBT and MCBT in women, although significantly strong correlations were found among all tests in men. CONCLUSION: Although these 3 tests evaluated interrelated functions and may be valid as core stability tests, the results should be carefully interpreted when performing YBT in women.

Longitudinal profiling of the microbiome at four body sites reveals core stability and individualized dynamics during health and disease.

To understand the dynamic interplay between the human microbiome and host during health and disease, we analyzed the microbial composition, temporal dynamics, and associations with host multi-omics, immune, and clinical markers of microbiomes from four body sites in 86 participants over 6 years. We found that microbiome stability and individuality are body-site specific and heavily influenced by the host. The stool and oral microbiome are more stable than the skin and nasal microbiomes, possibly due to their interaction with the host and environment. We identify individual-specific and commonly shared bacterial taxa, with individualized taxa showing greater stability. Interestingly, microbiome dynamics correlate across body sites, suggesting systemic dynamics influenced by host-microbial-environment interactions. Notably, insulin-resistant individuals show altered microbial stability and associations among microbiome, molecular markers, and clinical features, suggesting their disrupted interaction in metabolic disease. Our study offers comprehensive views of multi-site microbial dynamics and their relationship with host health and disease.

Correlation between core stability and the landing kinetics of elite aerial skiing athletes.

Core stability is critical for improving athletic performance, reducing injury risks and is one of the most important elements of athletic training. However, the effect of core stability on landing kinetics during aerial skiing remains unclear, making relevant analysis and discussion an urgent issue to address. To enhance core stability training and landing performance aerial athletes, this study proposed a correlation analysis to investigate the effect of core stability on landing kinetics. Previous studies on aerial athletes have overlooked landing kinetics and lacked correlation analyses, leading to unsatisfactory analysis outcomes. The correlation analysis can be integrated with core stability training indices to analyze the effect of core stability on vertical and 360° jump landings. Therefore, this study can provide guidance for core stability training and athletic performance in aerial athletes.

Effects of proprioception and core stability training on gait parameters of deaf adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

The current study aimed to explore the effects of proprioception versus core stability training over 8 weeks on the gait parameters of deaf adolescents. A total of 20 deaf adolescents were randomized into two groups: one group receiving proprioception training (PT, n = 10), another group receiving core stability training (CST, n = 10), and eleven typically developing adolescents assigned into the control group (CON; n = 11). Gait was recorded by two digital cameras; then, using the Kinovea software, the parameters of gait included: gait velocity, cadence, stride length, stride time, stance time, and swing time were calculated in terms of percentages of the walking cycle. After 8 weeks of PT, no significant differences were observed for all gait parameters between PT and control groups (p > 0.05). Also, after 8 weeks of CST, no significant differences were observed in gait velocity and cadence between the CST and control groups (p > 0.05). However, after 8 weeks of CST, stride length (p = 0.02) was higher in the control group; Stride time (p = 0.03), stance time (p = 0.04) and swing time (p = 0.04) were higher in the CST group. Moreover, after 8 weeks of PT, values showed significant improvements in all gait parameters (p = 0.001). Also, after 8 weeks of CST, values showed significant improvements in gait velocity and cadence (p = 0.001), but no significant differences were observed in other gait parameters (p > 0.05). The findings of this study indicated that PT improved all gait parameters, whereas CST improved gait velocity and cadence. The results of the present study also demonstrated that PT had a greater effect on gait parameters of deaf adolescents compared with CST. It seems that PT induces more training effects than CTS for enhancing gait parameters of deaf adolescents.Trial registration: Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20170312033029N2. URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/25584 .

Impact of core stability exercises vs. interferential therapy on pelvic floor muscle strength in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of the pelvic organs into or through the vaginal walls. Females who have prolapse have symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, sexual function, and exercise. POP can have a negative effect on one's sexuality and body image. This study attempted to assess the significance of core stability exercises vs. interferential therapy on the power of the pelvic floor muscles in females with prolapsed pelvic organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized control trial was conducted on forty participants (aged between 40-60 years, diagnosed with mild degree pelvic organ prolapse participated in the research. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: (group A; n = 20) and (group B; n = 20). The participants were tested twice, before and after 12 weeks, during which group (A) performed core stability exercises while group (B) received interferential therapy. A modified Oxford grading scale and the perineometer were used to assess how the vaginal squeeze pressure changed. RESULTS: The study's findings demonstrated that the modified Oxford grading scale values and vaginal squeeze pressure had a non-statistically significant difference (p-value ≥ 0.05) between both groups pre-treatment while had a statistically significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) between both groups post-treatment in favor of group A. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that both training programs are efficient at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, but the core stability exercises were more effective.