Are Core Stability Tests Related to Single Leg Squat Performance in Active Females?

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Core stability (CS) is crucial for lower limb function and injury prevention.
• Deficits in CS can alter neuromuscular control during dynamic movements.
• Dynamic knee valgus is a risk factor for lower limb injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between two dynamic core exercise assessments and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squats.
• To investigate the influence of core stability on hip frontal angle and knee frontal plane projection angle during single-leg squats.

Main Methods:

• Twenty physically active female students performed dynamic core assessments using the OCTOcore app (partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) and bird-dog (BD) tests).
• Two-dimensional kinematic analysis quantified hip frontal angle (HFA_SLS) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA_SLS) during single-leg squats.
• Ankle dorsiflexion was also assessed.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between HFA_SLS and the SLD test (r = 0.314, p < 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (r = 0.322, p < 0.05).
• Significant differences in CS were observed between participants with and without dynamic knee valgus (p < 0.05).
• The association between CS and kinematic factors was specific to the SLD test, not the BD test.

Conclusions:

• Core stability deficits may impair neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during single-leg activities.
• The SLD test appears more sensitive than the BD test in identifying CS deficits related to kinematic factors associated with knee injury risk.
• Targeted core strengthening may improve dynamic knee control and reduce injury risk.