EFFECTS OF CORE STABILITY EXERCISES VERSUS BALANCE TRAINING ON BALANCE, TRUNK ENDURANCE AND LOWER LIMBS STRENGTH: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Gihan Samir Mousa*, Mohamed Mohamed Ibrahim Salem, Ashraf Abdelaal Mohamed Abdelaal, Kadrya H. Battecha, Reuf Saad Alotaibi, Balsam Amin Alqarf, Arwa Fayiz Alharthi and Mayadh Mukhlid Alswaihri

Background: Both core stability exercises and balance training can result in a significant improvement in the dynamic and static balance, as well as muscular endurance.

Purpose: This study determined effects of core stability versus balance training program on balance, trunk endurance and lower limbs strength in physiotherapy students.

Subjects: Twenty-six female participants were recruited. Participant's age was from 18-25 years with a body mass index ranging from 18 – 32 kg/m2. Methods: 26 students (physiotherapy students) were randomly assigned into: group A (n=13) performed core stability (3 sessions/week for 6 weeks) and group B (n=13) performed balance exercises (3 sessions weekly for 6 weeks). Balance (Static and dynamic measurements) were measured by Biodex Balance System. Endurance test (Prone bridge) and five times sit- stand test were performed to evaluate trunk endurance and lower limbs strength. The design of the study was Quasi-experimental study. Results: The obtained results of the study revealed a significant decrease in overall stability index in postural stability (the static and dynamic) in the balance exercise group B compared with group A of the core stability exercise post treatment. There was no significant difference in the endurance test (prone bridge), five-time sitto- stand test or limits of stability between groups post treatment.

Conclusion: Both core stability exercises and balance training had a positive impact on balance, trunk endurance and lower limbs strength in physiotherapy students.