Vera-García et al. (2015) Core stability. Concepto y aportaciones al entrenamiento y la prevención de lesiones.
The article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature (1990‑2013) on core stability, examining how the term is defined across disciplines, the biomechanical mechanisms that underlie trunk control, and the clinical relevance of core stability deficits for low back pain and other spinal disorders. It evaluates experimental studies on abdominal and lumbar muscle activation, co‑activation strategies, and perturbation responses, as well as intervention trials that test core‑stability training programs for injury prevention and athletic performance. The authors highlight methodological limitations in existing research, propose a working definition of core stability as the coordinated action of osteomuscular structures under motor control to maintain or restore trunk position during perturbations, and offer recommendations for future measurement, experimental design, and practical application in rehabilitation and sport settings. The reference list underscores the breadth of evidence, citing key works on postural control, trunk biomechanics, fatigue effects, and muscle activation patterns that inform the review’s conclusions.
Topics
Definition and Conceptual Framework of Core Stability
The article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature (1990‑2013) on core stability, examining how the term is defined across disciplines, the biomechanical mechanisms that underlie trunk control, and the clinical relevance of core stability deficits for low back pain and other spinal disorders. It evaluates experimental studies on abdominal and lumbar muscle activation, co‑activation strategies, and perturbation responses, as well as intervention trials that test core‑stability training programs for injury prevention and athletic performance. The authors highlight methodological limitations in existing research, propose a working definition of core stability as the coordinated action of osteomuscular structures under motor control to maintain or restore trunk position during perturbations, and offer recommendations for future measurement, experimental design, and practical application in rehabilitation and sport settings. The reference list underscores the breadth of evidence, citing key works on postural control, trunk biomechanics, fatigue effects, and muscle activation patterns that inform the review’s conclusions.
Biomechanics and Motor Control of Trunk Stability
Explains the osteomuscular coordination and motor‑control strategies that enable the spine, abdominal, and pelvic muscles to maintain trunk position and trajectory under external perturbations. Discusses co‑activation patterns, fatigue effects, and the underlying mechanical principles derived from experimental EMG and kinematic studies.
Clinical Relevance: Core Stability Deficits and Spinal Disorders
Reviews evidence linking impaired core stability to low‑back pain and other spinal pathologies. Summarizes EMG, kinematic, and clinical investigations that demonstrate associations between reduced trunk control, altered muscle activation, and chronic or acute pain states.
Training Interventions: Injury Prevention and Athletic Performance
Evaluates randomized and pilot studies of core‑stability training programs, covering abdominal stabilization, co‑activation drills, and sport‑specific protocols. Assesses their effectiveness for reducing injury risk and for enhancing performance metrics such as sprinting, jumping, and balance, noting mixed findings and methodological constraints.
Assessment and Methodological Considerations
Provides an overview of laboratory and clinical tools used to quantify core stability, including pressure‑excursion tests, one‑leg stance, EMG, and motion‑capture kinematics. Highlights methodological limitations in current research and offers recommendations for improving measurement reliability and experimental design.