Effect of a 6-week core stability training program on active trunk repositioning: a randomised controlled trial

Introduction Core stability training has recently attracted attention for improving muscle performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of core stability training on active trunk repositioning error. Methods Forty healthy males, randomly assigned into two equal groups; experimental and control groups, participated in the study. Their age, weight, height, and BMI ranged between 18–22.5 years, 64–85 kg, 1.63–1.83 m, and 19.4–25 kg/m2, respectively. The Biodex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the absolute error (AE) at both 30° and 60° trunk flexion, measured at a 60°/s angular velocity. Data were recorded twice; before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 6-week period during which the experimental group was trained. Results Mixed 3-way ANOVA revealed that the AE was significantly lower at 60° trunk flexion in both groups at pre-test, and in the control group at post-test compared with 30° flexion ( p < 0.05). In addition, the AE decreased significantly in the post-test in the experimental group only at both trunk flexion angles compared with pre-test ( p < 0.05). Conclusions The decreased active trunk repositioning error with core stability training indicates improvement in trunk proprioception. Thus, core stability training could be beneficial if added to rehabilitation programs that aim to improve trunk proprioception.