Abstract The importance of function of the central core of the body for stabilisation and
force generation in all sports activities is being increasingly recognised. ‘Core
stability’ is seen as being pivotal for efficient biomechanical function to maximise
force generation and minimise joint loads in all types of activities ranging from
running to throwing. However, there is less clarity about what exactly constitutes
‘the core’, either anatomically or physiologically, and physical evaluation of core
function is also variable.
‘Core stability’ is defined as the ability to control the position and motion of
the trunk over the pelvis to allow optimum production, transfer and control of
force and motion to the terminal segment in integrated athletic activities. Core
muscle activity is best understood as the pre-programmed integration of local,
single-joint muscles and multi-joint muscles to provide stability and produce
motion. This results in proximal stability for distal mobility, a proximal to distal
patterning of generation of force, and the creation of interactive moments that
move and protect distal joints. Evaluation of the core should be dynamic, and
include evaluation of the specific functions (trunk control over the planted leg)
and directions of motions (three-planar activity). Rehabilitation should include the
restoring of the core itself, but also include the core as the base for extremity
function.
1. What is the Core? to its local functions of stability and force generation,
core activity is involved with almost all ex-
The musculoskeletal core of the body includes
the spine, hips and pelvis, proximal lower limb and tremity activities such as running, kicking and
abdominal structures. The core musculature in- throwing. Therefore, the position, motion and concludes
the muscles of the trunk and pelvis that are tributions of the core must be evaluated and treated
responsible for the maintenance of stability of the as part of the evaluation and treatment of extremity
spine and pelvis and help in the generation and injuries.
transfer of energy from large to small body parts This article provides a general functional definiduring
many sports activities.[1,2] The muscles and tion of core stability, describes the anatomy and
joints of the hip, pelvis and spine are centrally
located to be able to perform many of the stabilising physiology of core muscles, discusses core stability
functions that the body will require in order for the in function and dysfunction, provides principles of
distal segments (e.g. the limbs) to do their specific clinical evaluation of core stability, and describes
function, providing the proximal stability for the rehabilitation and conditioning programmes to maxdistal
mobility and function of the limbs. In addition imise the effect of core stability on athletic function.