Core Stability

Core stability relates to the bodily region bounded by the abdominal wall, the pelvis, the lower back and the diaphragm and its ability to stabilise the body during movement. The main muscles involved include the transversus abdominis, the internal and external obliques, the quadratus lumborum and the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the main muscle of breathing in the human and so breathing is important in providing the necessary core stability for moving and lifting. It is the action of these muscles contracting together upon the incompressible contents of the abdominal cavity (i.e. the internal organs or viscera) that provides support to the spine and pelvis during movement.

Core stability is a misunderstood term. Typically, the core is associated with the abdominal muscles groups and stability is associated with isometric or static strength. However in actuality, the core consists of the abdominal muscles groups (transverse abdominis, internal obliques, external obliques, rectus abdominis), hip abductors/ adductors, hip flexors, and lumbar spine. In addition, it is lumbar spine that is primarily responsible for posture and stability providing the strength needed for stability especially utilized in dynamic sports