positions, motions and muscle activation sequences.
In this manner, normal physiological activations are
restored, which lead to restoration of normal biomechanical
motions. Exercises may be started with the
extremity close to the body, decreasing the moment
arm, then progressing to more abducted positions,
increasing the forces and loads. The goal is to
achieve coordination of activation of the segments
throughout the entire kinetic chain.
Rehabilitation should be viewed as a ‘flow’ of
exercises that build a base of stability and force
generation, and then proceed distally to establish
control of the forces while allowing maximal mobility
of the distal segment.[42] The core is the central
part of this flow. It acts as the base of stability and
the ‘engine’ of force generation, and also acts as the
controller to regulate the forces. Since it is involved
in many aspects of all athletic activities, it should be
evaluated as part of the workup of any extremity
injury, and should be rehabilitated prior to rehabilitation
of the injured extremity. Fig. 13. Hip/trunk rotation with scapular retraction. These may be
done in various planes of arm elevation.
8. Conclusion be approximated by evaluations that reproduce the
Core stability is a pivotal component in normal three-planar motions that are used by the core to
athletic activities. It is best understood as a highly accomplish its functions. Better understanding of
integrated activation of multiple segments that pro- the complex biomechanics and muscle activations
vides force generation, proximal stability for distal will allow more detailed evaluations and more spemobility,
and generates interactive moments. It is cific rehabilitation protocols.
difficult to accurately quantify by isolating individu-
al components, but its function or dysfunction can Acknowledgements
No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation
of this review. The authors have no conflicts of interest
that are directly relevant to the content of this review