Effect of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test

Pain in the back or pelvis or fear of back pain may affect the timing or co-contraction of the core muscles. In both static and dynamic movements, the Sahrmann core stability test provides an assessment of core muscle activation and a person's ability to stabilize the lumbopelvic complex. Preparatory cues and images can be used to increase the activation of these muscles. To attain optimal movement patterns, it will be necessary to determine what cueing will give the most effective results for core stability.

To investigate the effects of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test.

Total 68 participants (21.83 ± 3.47 years) were randomly allocated to an external (n = 35) or internal cue group (n = 33). Participants performed the Sahrmann five-level core stability test without a cue as baseline and the five-level stability exercises with an internal or external cue. External cue group received a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU), and the internal cue group received an audio cue. A Delsys Trigno^TM surface electromyography unit was used for muscle activation from the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and transverse abdominis/internal oblique muscles.

Linear mixed effects model analysis showed that cueing had a significant effect on core muscle activation (P = 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between cue types (internal or external) (P = 0.130).

Both external and internal cueing have significant effects on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test and the PBU does not create higher muscle activation than internal cueing.