13: CORE STABILITY

Question 1

What is core stability

Answer 1

the ability to prevent unwanted movement of the body’s centre

Question 2

Core stability if provided by 3 different systems…

Answer 2

1. Passive System
2. Active Sytem
3. Neutral Control

Question 3

What is the passive system?

Answer 3

uses structure and arrangement of the vertebra and discs along with spinal ligaments to provide stability

Question 4

What ligaments are involved in the passive system

Answer 4

1. Posterior and anterior longitudinal ligaments
2. Ligamentum flavum
3. Thoracolumbar fascia

Question 5

Where is the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament and what does it do

Answer 5

Extends along the length of the spine on the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies. Prevents excessive forward flexion

Question 6

Where is the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament and what does it do

Answer 6

Extends the length of the spine on anterior surface. Prevents hyper extension of the spine

Question 7

Where is the Ligamentum Flavum and what does it do

Answer 7

These ligaments are found in the spinal column and connect the vertebrae. They help to maintain the proper spacing between the vertebrae and protect the spinal cord. Strongest ligament in the spine.

Question 8

Where is the Thoracolumbar Fascia and what does it do

Answer 8

The thoracolumbar fascia is a strong, broad sheet of connective tissue that spans the lower back, connecting the thoracic spine to the lumbar spine. Primarily made of collagen, no contractile properties.

The thoracolumbar fascia plays an important role in the stabilization of the spine and pelvis, as it provides attachment points for several muscles, including the erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and latissimus dorsi.

Question 9

What happens if the muscles pulling on the thoracolumbar fascia are imbalanced

Answer 9

weakened and dynamic posture compromised

Question 10

What is the active system

Answer 10

made up of muscles and tendons of the core. Divided into:
Local - deep muscles
Global - superficial muscles

Question 11

What are local muscles

Answer 11

• located close to the spine and are responsible for providing segmental stability to the spine
• essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and stability during movement. They work together with the global muscles
• recruited prior to gross movement to prevent unwanted movement

Question 12

What muscles are included in ‘local’ muscles

Answer 12

1. Transverse abdominis - providing anterior support
2. Multifidus - providing posterior support
3. Quadratrus Lumborum - lateral support and lumbar spine stability
4. Internal obliques - lateral support
5. Pelvis floor muscles - inferior support
6. Diaphragm - superior support

Question 13

What are global muscles

Answer 13

• larger, more superficial muscles that are responsible for generating movement and power in the body.
• generate the force and movement needed to perform activities such as walking, running, lifting, and jumping, while the local muscles stabilize the spine and pelvis to allow for efficient and safe movement

Question 14

What muscles are included in global muscles

Answer 14

1. Rectus abdominis: This muscle runs vertically down the front of the abdomen and is responsible for flexing the trunk.
2. External obliques: These muscles are located on the sides of the abdomen and are responsible for rotating and side-bending the trunk.
3. Internal obliques: These muscles are located beneath the external obliques and are responsible for the same actions.
4. Erector spinae: These muscles run vertically along the spine and are responsible for extending the trunk.
5. Quadratus lumborum: This muscle is located on the side of the spine and is responsible for lateral flexion of the trunk.

Question 15

What is neutral control

Answer 15

Neutral control is the optimal balance between the passive and active systems, where the body is in its most stable and efficient alignment.

Question 16

What are proprioceptors

Answer 16

specialized sensory receptors located within the muscles, tendons, and joints of the body that provide information about the body’s position, movement, and force of muscular contractions.

Question 17

What do proprioceptors consist of

Answer 17

Muscles spindles located deep in the centre of muscles and golgi tendon organs located in the tendon

Question 18

What are the functions of the core

Answer 18

1. Containing and protecting internal organs
2. Ensuring greater mobility of the spine and trunk
3. Stabilising top part of the body over the lower part
4. Controlling pelvic + lumbar relationship

Question 19

What are the benefits of improving core stability

Answer 19

1. Improved application of force from limbs an unsupported environment - more stable base to work from
2. Decreased risk of injury from the spine, shoulder girdle and associated joints
3. Improved appearance of lower abdomen
4. Improved balance and motor skills
5. Reduction in lower back pain
6. Improved lung capacity for those with hyper kyphosis due to increased size of thoracic cavity
7. Improved postural stability and balance

Question 20

What is the pelvic floor

Answer 20

Double layers (deep and part-superficial layer) broad sling of muscles from the pubic bone at the front to the base of the spine at the back of the pelvis

Question 21

What are the two main muscles of the pelvic floor

Answer 21

1. Levator ani: This is a group of muscles that include the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus muscles. These muscles run from the pubic bone to the coccyx (tailbone) and are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence.
2. Coccygeus: This muscle is located behind the levator ani and helps to support the pelvic organs.

Question 22

What muscle fibres are in the pelvic floor

Answer 22

Fast and slow twitch - enables it to provide tone and endurance while also responding immediately to a sudden rise in abdominal pressure

Question 23

What are 4 main functions of the pelvic floor

Answer 23

1. Support for organs of pelvis and abdominal contents
2. Stability to pelvic girdle
3. Continence control of urine and poo
4. Supports reflex activity to counteract changes in abdominal pressure (coughing, sneezing, vomiting)