The core region of the body is responsible for maintaining our centre of gravity, writes Giles Warrington
LOWER BACK pain is a complaint that affects many people. It has been estimated that 50-80 per cent of the adult population will suffer from some form of back pain at some stage in their lives.
Additionally, each year it has been shown that 15-45 per cent of adults will suffer from lower back pain, with about 5 per cent reporting to their physician with a new episode.
Back pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. In the majority of cases of acute back pain, there is no underlying disease and is caused by an over-exertion or sprain to a muscle ligament of the lower back. This can be rectified with appropriate remedial action.
Strengthening the muscle of the back and abdomen often referred to as the "core" region has not only been suggested to promote better posture but is also widely regarded as a useful preventative approach for future incidences of lower back pain.
The core region, quite simply, refers to the central region of the body which is responsible for maintaining our centre of gravity and regulation and stabilisation of functional movements such as balance.
Without the appropriate development of the musculature of the back and abdomen, the core region becomes unstable, less efficient and possibly more susceptible to injury which manifests as lower back pain.
Based on this premise, over the past decade the health and fitness industry has coined the term "core stabilisation" training with a variety of training methods being touted.
Furthermore, a wide variety of training tools which have exploded onto the market such as a core stability ball, which resembles a giant beach ball, have become the ultimate fitness accessories.
The principle of core stability training is to recruit the key muscles of the trunk region consisting of the spine, abdomen hips and pelvis.
Some of the deep muscles of the lower back such as the erector spinae and multifidus are notoriously difficult to recruit and stimulate.
However, by targeting this region, this in turn helps to promote greater stability and support of the spinal column during dynamic movement.
While the potential benefits of core stabilisation training appear to be based on clear scientific principles, two schools of thought have evolved as to the best method to develop core stability and strength and thereby improve functional movement and even sports performance.
The "isolationists" advocate an approach where you target the specific region of the core and through specific remedial exercises attempt to stimulate and recruit specific core muscle groups.
The deep muscles, lumbar muscles for example, are regarded as being key stabilisers during movement. In contrast, the "functionalists" believe the best approach to improving the function of the core is through the development of the body as a whole.
Specifically, this school of thought advocates the use of multijoint weight-lifting exercises where a premium is placed on good lifting technique and optimising body position and posture.
While both approaches may have their place, it is essential that the importance of core stabilisation training is not over-emphasised.
After all, it is only one element of a balanced training programme and not a total training package as it is sometimes marketed.
Next week we will look at specific training methods used to develop core stability and strength as well as establish its role in enhancing functional movement and sports performance.
• Dr Giles Warrington is a sport and exercise physiologist and lecturer in the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU