Core Muscle Weakness, Functional Performance Limitation, Postural Control Deficit, Trunk Stability Impairment
Conditions
Keywords
Core Training, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Muscle Hypertrophy, Electromyography, Ultrasound Imaging, Functional Performance, Life Satisfaction
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Forty recreationally active adults with a minimum of two years of consistent training experience will participate. The structured intervention will span multiple weeks and utilize electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging, and validated questionnaires to assess neuromuscular and functional adaptations.
Detailed description
Extended Detailed Description - Study Rationale and Objectives Core stability is a foundational component of human movement, contributing to postural control, balance, and force transmission. The deep and superficial muscle systems of the trunk function synergistically to enhance spinal alignment, movement efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity. In modern health science, core training has evolved into a key preventative strategy that supports spinal resilience and reduces functional limitations associated with sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary protocols often integrate trunk bracing, diaphragmatic engagement, and multi-planar control for comprehensive development. This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effects of an eight-week progressive core training program in recreationally active adults. The protocol combines components of neuromuscular control, strength development, and high-intensity power work, and aims to assess outcomes related to muscle activation, balance, segmental coordination, and perceived well-being. Study Design & Participants Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving the full protocol) or a control group (minimal activity). All procedures will take place at the Neuromechanics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Serres Campus). Forty adults between 25-35 years old who meet physical activity and health-related eligibility criteria will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to randomization. Core Training Structure The program consists of a warm-up (\ 6 min), a main core-focused session (\ 30-32 min), and a cool-down (\ 5 min). Training follows a triad structure in which each set includes one stability, one strength, and one power-based core exercise. Work intervals are set to 45 seconds, with progressive recovery. All sessions are designed to follow a logical kinetic chain progression: from motor control to peak force expression. Measurements & Instrumentation Pre- and post-testing includes validated assessments of ground reaction force, muscle activation, ultrasound-measured hypertrophy, video-based kinematic analysis, body measurements, and psychometric indices of well-being. Instrumentation includes force platforms, surface EMG, ultrasound imaging systems, motion capture tools, and standardized questionnaires. Anticipated Outcomes The intervention is expected to improve neuromuscular efficiency, postural control, force production, core muscle thickness, and overall movement confidence. Enhanced trunk function may contribute to greater kinetic chain integration and better quality of life. Broader Impact and Applicability Due to its equipment-light structure and progressive difficulty, this training protocol is well-suited for application in clinical rehabilitation, fitness centers, or at-home settings under professional supervision. The triad design offers educational value for exercise professionals seeking to integrate functional core sequencing into their practice. This trial contributes to ongoing research on motor control strategies, force adaptation, sensorimotor integration, and holistic well-being. Insights gained may inform interventions in athletic populations, workplace health promotion, and functional aging.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL- Core Training Protocol
This structured training intervention incorporates progressive core exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular activation, balance, and muscle hypertrophy. Participants perform eight exercise triads per session, progressing from core stability drills to high-intensity power movements over eight weeks.
BEHAVIORALControl Group Core Routine
Control group participants engage in general core activation exercises twice per week, without progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular adaptation.
Sponsors
Ioannis Tsartsapakis
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This study employs a parallel-group design with randomized allocation. Participants are divided into an experimental group undergoing an eight-week core training protocol and a control group following a standardized core-related routine. The interventional group receives structured progressive stability, strength, and power-focused exercises, while the control group engages in general core activation without targeted neuromuscular training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluate neuromuscular function, balance, biomechanical efficiency, and life satisfaction.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 25-35 years * Physically active (≥3 sessions/week, ≥1 hour per session) for ≥2 years * No known musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders * No engagement in structured core training programs * Available to attend all evaluation appointments * Able and willing to commit to the 8-week intervention program
Exclusion criteria
* Medical conditions that limit full-body or trunk movement * Cardiovascular/metabolic conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise * Current participation in Pilates, CrossFit, or other core-specific protocols * Recent musculoskeletal injury affecting training eligibility
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | Surface EMG recordings will assess neuromuscular activation in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles. Measurements will be conducted pre- and post-intervention using Biopac Systems Inc. electrodes and TEL100 M transmitter, with signals filtered between 10-500 Hz. Data will be analyzed via Acknowledge software to determine training-induced improvements in core muscle activity patterns. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound-Based Core Muscle Hypertrophy Assessment | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | B-mode ultrasound imaging (Aloka ProSound SSD 3500 SV) will evaluate changes in muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and lumbar multifidus (LM) at rest. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will quantify hypertrophic adaptations induced by structured core training. |
| Balance & Postural Stability Evaluation (Force Plate Analysis) | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | Static and dynamic balance assessments will be conducted using a Kistler 3D dynamometer, with center-of-pressure displacement analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Improvements in balance metrics are expected to reflect enhanced neuromuscular control and stability. |
| Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale - SWLS) | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) will be used to assess subjective well-being before and after the intervention. The scale consists of 5 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater life satisfaction. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Angular Velocity Analysis (Motion Capture) | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | High-definition motion tracking will quantify angular velocity changes in shoulder, hip, and knee joints during medicine ball overhead slams. Assessments will be performed using a PTZOptics Move 4K camera and Kinovea biomechanics software. |
| Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (SWLS) | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8) | The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) will be administered pre- and post-intervention to assess subjective well-being and psychological benefits associated with neuromuscular training adaptations. |
Countries
Greece
Contacts
Primary ContactIoannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D.
Outcome results
None listed