The relationship between core stability and lower extremity function in female athletes

Core stability is the ability of the lumbopelvic- hip complex to prevent buckling of the vertebral column and return it to equilibrium following perturbation. It has been demonstrated that trunk muscle activity occurs before the activity of the prime mover of the limb. Core stability is seen as being pivotal for efficient biomechanical function to maximize force generation and minimize joint loads in all types of activities ranging from running to throwing. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between core stability and lower extremity function in female athletes. Thirty volunteer female athletes with mean age (SD)=23(3.8) years old, participated in this study. They performed two series of tests: core stability tests (hip isometric abduction and lateral rotation, double leg lowering, trunk extension – flexion and left and right lateral flexion endurance, and double leg lowering), and lower extremity function tests (star excursion balance tests in three directions, vertical jump, single and triple hopping, stairs sprinting, 6 m hopping, and shuttle run). The results of this study showed that the strength of hip isometric abduction with stairs sprinting, 6 m hopping, and with star excursion balance test in three directions had r=-0.430, r=-0.367and r=0.515 respectively and all significant. Also, right lateral flexion endurance with shuttle run (r=0.367), double leg lowering with vertical jump (r=0.42), trunk extension endurance with vertical jump (r=-0.404), were significantly correlated. In the other items there were no relationship between core stability and lower extremity function (p>0.05). There is a relationship between core stability and lower extremity function but studies have not supported them. However, the data showed that core stability is moderately too weak related to lower extremity function, core stability could not be measured with these tests and they are not good indicators for lower extremity function. Evaluation of the core should be dynamic, and compromise assessment of the specific functions which specialize for athletic groups.