Best core stabilization exercise to facilitate subcortical neuroplasticity: A functional MRI neuroimaging study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Core instability affects motor control and can lead to various musculoskeletal issues.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of different core stabilization exercises is crucial for effective rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the cortical and subcortical neural activation patterns between conscious (ADIM) and subconscious (DNS) core stabilization exercises in adults with core instability.
• To investigate the effects of these distinct exercise types on brain activity.

Main Methods:

• A novel task-switching paradigm using fMRI was employed to differentiate neural substrates.
• Five non-symptomatic participants with core instability performed ADIM and DNS tasks.
• Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals were analyzed to assess brain activation.

Main Results:

• ADIM exercises primarily activated the cortical motor network (PMC-SMC-SMA).
• DNS exercises activated both the cortical motor network and subcortical structures (cerebellum-BG-thalamus-cingulate cortex).
• DNS showed significantly greater peak voxel volume (11.08 ± 1.51) compared to ADIM (8.81 ± 0.21) (p=0.043).

Conclusions:

• Conscious (ADIM) and subconscious (DNS) core stabilization exercises elicit differential neural activation patterns.
• DNS engages a broader network, including subcortical areas, suggesting a more complex neural recruitment.
• These findings provide insights into the neuroplasticity associated with different core training approaches.