Science and practice of core stability and strength testing

This study deals with a gap between science and practice in the testing of core stability and strength and presents our approach to solving this issue. Typical core stability tests require the subject to maintain a neutral spinal posture while under load in a quadrupedal or supine position and assess the endurance of global core muscles. However, most of these non-dynamometric tests have been developed for use in clinical and research settings. A suitable alternative represents torsional tests performed under stable or unstable conditions and instrumented tests in the form of trunk repositioning and load release tasks. Core strength is measured in terms of how much weight can be lifted, how many repetitions can be performed, or how long a neutral stable position can be maintained. In the laboratory, isometric and isokinetic dynamometers are frequently used. Isometric strength measurements are usually recommended as a standard for lifting tasks. However, such measurements underestimate the loads on the spine during dynamic movement. A deadlift to high pull exercise that involves working major muscle groups in the upper and lower body may best simulate the demands of jobs comprising of lifting tasks. Furthermore, isokinetic loading does not occur in daily human activities and is not specific to the requirements of sports. Given that rotational power is a better predictor of athlete performance, the test adapted from the wood chop exercise on a weight stack machine may provide conditions imposed by sports. One can also use a system that allows evaluation of muscle power during seated or standing trunk rotations with a barbell placed on the shoulders. These tests utilizing portable diagnostic systems may be implemented in functional diagnostics for athletes and sedentary or manual workers whose activities involve lifting tasks or trunk rotations under unloading or loading conditions; so complementing existing testing methods.