Core Stabilization Exercises Help Prevent Back Pain

Core stabilization exercises may help prevent back pain compared to other forms of exercise.

According to a new meta-analysis based off of 413 studies, “stabilization” exercises were effective at helping fight back pain, and these are more effective than general exercise with no stability emphasis.

Conclusions

Most fitness experts are avoiding outdated core exercises, such as crunches and situps, in place of stability type exercises, such as planks, side planks, and pallof press.  This research lends support to the belief that when it comes to preventing back pain, the core needs to be able to stabilize properly.

References

Gomes-Neto, M., Lopes, J. M., Conceição, C. S., Araujo, A., Brasileiro, A., Sousa, C., … & Arcanjo, F. L. (2017). Stabilization exercise compared to general exercises or manual therapy for the management of low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy in Sport, 23, 136-142.