Though many feel core strength is essential for athletes, measuring this strength is not well understood. This study attempted to analyze the impact of dynamic core strength on performance and find a measurable field test.
What was done
Twenty-five Division I collegiate football (~19.0 years) players performed medicine ball throws (forward, reverse, right, and left) in static and dynamic positions. The results of the medicine ball throws were compared with several athletic performance measurements: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat, squat kg/BW, 1RM bench press, bench kg/BW, countermovement vertical jump (CMJ), 40-yd dash (40 yds), and pro agility (PrA).
Results
Several significant correlations were noted between static medicine ball throws and dynamic activity.
Discussion
The results indicate core strength does have a significant effect on an athlete’s ability to create and transfer force. Unfortunately, the core is typically trained statically, when full body integration and dynamic motion is necessary for ideal training.
Practical Implication
Successfully performing dynamic exercises translate to core power.
Reference:
- Shinkle J, Nesser TW, Demchak TJ, McMannus DM. Effect of core strength on the measure of power in the extremities. J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Feb;26(2):373-80. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822600e5.