Lumbo-pelvic core stability: profiles of female long-distance runners
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Date
2016-10
Authors
Pool, Lindie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Running is a sport characterised by a 90% prevalence of predominantly lower-limb
overuse injuries. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is also prevalent and its
hindrance in terms of participation falls within the definition of running injuries.
Neuromuscular mechanisms within the proximal kinetic chain have been correlated
to these injuries and conditions, however contrasting views exist. Adaptations within
the tonic and phasic characteristics of core musculature have been shown to elicit a
series of kinetic adaptations within the movement system predisposing
injury/recurrence of injury.
The aim of this research was to discuss the changes in core muscle characteristics in
relation to risk of injury after exposure to a functional activity. Changes were
presented by means of profiling. A secondary objective was to identify numerous
internal and external risk factors of running-injury.
A descriptive, cohort analytical study design was used with a convenience sample of
fifteen (15) eligible experienced female long-distance runners registered in
Bloemfontein-based accredited running-clubs. The baseline- and post-exercise
profiling test battery included electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor muscles
(PFM) and M. Transversus Abdominus (TrA)(ICC 0.98), pressure biofeedback
testing (PBU) (ICC 0.90) and functional endurance testing (ICC 0.97). Any 24+ km
functional longrun served as functional task. External, internal and demographic
factors were identified using a self-compiled questionnaire.
The majority of the TrA EMG, PBU and Dominant-Side lateral muscle group profiles
displayed an increase in post-exercise value. The profiles illustrated both failure
(decrease in value) and or possible neuromuscular mechanisms (increase in value)
attempting to augment stability. These mechanisms are suggestive of a loss of
stability on a more central level. The cohort also displayed remarkably low-level
integrated stability activity (PBU) both at baseline and post-exercise. There were no
statistical significant difference between the baseline and post-exercise profiles for
any of the PFM (p=0.7957), TrA (p=0.2769), PBU (p=0.1875), Anterior Muscle
Group (p=0.1688), Posterior Muscle Group (p=0.1909), Lateral Dominant Muscle
Group (p=0.5897) or Non-Dominant Lateral Muscle Group measurements
(p=0.1848).
Knee injury was identified as the most prevalent previous running injury (47%). Only
20% of the 67% of participants that included muscle conditioning in training
programs included the PFM. Running training errors were the most significant
external causative factors present within the cohort together with insufficient
periodisation and recovery from longruns.
The results of this research support the inclusion of core-stability components in
running injury risk management and rehabilitation. The major limitations of this
research were the small sample size and absence of a control group. This may be
addressed by future research on valid functional core testing. Future research should
also establish scientific indicators of fatigue and correlation between corecharacteristics
and risk of injury.
Description
Keywords
Women long-distance runners, Abdominal wall, Running injuries, Runners (Sports) -- Wounds and injuries, Dissertation (M.Sc. (Physiotherapy))--University of the Free State, 2016