Core stability

Article summary

In kinesiology, core stability is a person's ability to stabilize their core (all parts of the body that are not limbs). Stability, in this context, should be considered as an ability to control the tone, position and movement of the core. Thus, if a person has greater core stability, they have a greater level of control over the position and movement of this area of their body. The body's core is frequently involved in aiding other movements of the body, such as running; thus, it is known that improving core stability also improves a person's ability to perform these other movements. The body's core region consists of the head, neck and torso (or trunk), although there are some differences in the muscles identified as constituting them. The major muscles involved in core stability, i.e. core muscles, include the pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae (sacrospinalis) especially the longissimus thoracis, and the diaphragm. Notably, breathing, including the action of the diaphragm, can significantly influence the posture and movement of the core; this is especially apparent in regard to extreme ranges of inhalation and exhalation. On this basis, how a person is breathing may influence their ability to control their core.…

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