Article Summary
The article, “Core Stability Training”, describes the role of particular training approaches in the enhancement of health and strength of athletes. Willardson discusses the applicability of diverse methods of training in the improvement of the strength and resistance of different body muscles. The impact of core stability training varies depending on the group of muscles that an athlete trains. Willardson compares the level of core stability attained among athletes exercising on different surfaces.
Analyses of core muscle activity shows that athletes exercising on a Swiss ball attain greater core stability in comparison to athletes who train on a stable surface. The Swiss ball initiates greater activation of muscles located in the lower abdominal region. Analyses of muscular activation during curl-ups highlights a significant discrepancy in the levels of abdominal activity for curl-ups performed on a stable bench and those performed on a Swiss ball (Willardson 981).
The article emphasizes on the need to maintain balance between the lower and upper regions of the body during core training to mitigate instances of diverse resistance performance among athletes. Willardson describes the role of core stability training in the improvement of athletes’ performance as skill-specific and thus the Swiss ball test for the general core stability could provide varying results during the evaluation of athletes’ performance based on their skills.
The Analysis of Swiss ball exercises for sports that do not involve a base of support provided different results in comparison to exercises on dry land. Apart from enhancing athletes’ performance, core stability training is crucial in the prevention and rehabilitations of injuries among athletes. Willardson concludes the article by providing recommendations on the modification of core training among athletes with different skills. In addition, he emphasizes the need for further research on the impacts of core stability on healthy athletes.
Article Analysis
Willardson has extensively analyzed various muscles and joints affected by core stability training. He has clearly described the interconnection between different muscles and joints, and the impacts of training on different surfaces on athlete’s performance. By providing evidence concerning the level of core stability attained through different methods of training, Willardson has successfully highlighted the importance of the combination of core training and resistance training for athletes.
Analysis of data from different experiments on muscular activity during core training provides evidence regarding activation and strengthening of muscles and joints through appropriate training approaches (Willardson 982). However, the fact that most of the data used in analyzing the impacts of core stability training emanates from studies on injured athletes raises doubts on the applicability of the results in the case of healthy athletes.
Evidence shows that muscular activity varies between injured and healthy athletes sine healthy athletes may overlook core training and thus fail to attain optimal muscle activation during training. In this regard, the Swiss ball test results used in evaluating athletes’ performance may provide an inappropriate description of the level of core stability attained by healthy athletes. Jeffry bases his assertions on experiments with unspecified sample size.
If the sample size used to test the level of core stability in different conditions was small, the results on Swiss ball training and flat surface training are likely to constitute numerous errors and thus discredit the assertions on the effectiveness of core stability training. Jeffry has effectively demonstrated the role of core training in the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries by describing various experiments on athletes involved in extensive movement and resistance training.
Core stability training strengthens muscles around the abdomen, pelvis, spine and shoulders and helps in the maintenance of a good posture (Elphinston 11). In this regard, core stability plays a significant role among athletes concerning the enhancement of performance and prevention of injury. Appropriate core stability facilitates maximum utilization of the power originating from an athlete’s trunk and promotes effective coordination of movement in the limbs.
The lack of appropriate levels of core stability hinders sustenance of good posture during athletes’ performance and increases risks of injury due to poor protection of the spine and skeletal structure. Furthermore, core stability ensures proper distribution of forces acting on the body. Physiotherapists acknowledge the role of core stability exercises in enhancing the performance of athletes, building up weak areas and minimizing injuries.
The lack of focus on the benefits of core stability for healthy athletes is largely due the nature of core training that may seem boring to individuals without any muscle and joint injuries. However, evidence show that the benefits of core training supersede the benefits athletes derive from other sporting movements in their day-to-day activities. Different approaches to core training ensure that athletes do not get bored by core routines and overlook their benefits.
Conclusion
By rotating the muscle groups that an athlete exercises, trainers can ensure core training becomes challenging even to healthy athletes and thus ensure they enjoy the long-term benefits of core stability training. Core muscles within the torso have significant impacts on the stability of the spine, pelvis and shoulders, which form the base of support for human beings. Powerful movements and stability have close correlation concerning functional fitness.
Works Cited
Elphinston, Joanne. Stability, sport, and performance movement: great technique without injury. Chichester, England: Lotus Pub. 2008. Print.
Willardson, Jeffrey M. “Core stability training: applications to sports conditioning programs.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 21.3 (2007): 979– 985. Print.