Effects of Core Exercise on Posture and Trunk Endurance in Sedentary Males

Summary

Increased sedentary lifestyles due to modern technological advancements have negatively impacted posture and trunk stability. Proper posture relies on balanced dorsal and ventral muscles, trunk stabilization, and joint flexibility. Deviations in these factors may lead to postural abnormalities and, over time, structural deformities. Early detection and intervention through corrective exercises can mitigate these issues. Various measurement techniques, including 2D and 3D scanning, allow for objective posture assessment. Core stabilization exercises have been shown to influence spinal alignment and muscle endurance, improving postural control. However, limited research focuses on young adult males. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week core exercise program on posture and trunk endurance in sedentary university students.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on male university students at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Participants were recruited through an open call, and those with prior musculoskeletal, neurological, or metabolic conditions were excluded. The final sample included 138 participants divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG followed an 8-week core stabilization program, while the CG did not receive any intervention.

Postural assessments were conducted using CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO software with 2D and 3D analysis protocols. Measurements included the Fröner Posture Index (PI) and the Kyphosis-Inclination-Lordosis (KIL) scheme, evaluating thoracic kyphosis, cervico-lumbar, and lumbar-gluteal angles. Trunk endurance was assessed through the Sorensen Back Extensor Test (BET), the Abdominal Flexor Endurance Test (FET), and the Double Leg Lowering Test (DLL). The intervention program consisted of progressive core stabilization exercises, increasing in difficulty from basic planks to exercises on unstable surfaces.

The experimental group underwent structured core training three times a week for eight weeks. The program included exercises to enhance mobility and strengthen the neck, shoulders, pelvis, and hips, with a focus on stabilizing the spine through anti-flexion, anti-extension, and anti-rotation movements. Exercises progressed from static planks to dynamic and unstable surface training. The control group did not participate in any structured physical activity.

Conditions

• Posture
• Trunk Muscle Endurance

Interventions

OTHER

Core exercise

The experimental treatment had a total of 18 introductory courses lasting 30 minutes each. The treatment included exercises to increase the mobility and strength of the neck, shoulders, pelvis and hips, and anti-flexion, anti-extension and rotation exercises were used to stabilize the spine. McGill curl-up was performed during each treatment for all 6 weeks. In the first two weeks, the subjects did general and introductory exercises (all positioned planks, plank walking, forearm cranes, plank pad forearms, etc.). Week 3 and 4 with additional movements and rotations (alternating hand and foot board holding, superman posture, faceplate switches, etc.). During the fifth and sixth weeks, the exercises were performed on unstable surfaces (one-handed board, ball stirring pot, feet raised sideboard, etc.). The intensity of those training courses was individual, but each one started at submaximal.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Novi Sad

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Dragan Marinkovic, Msc · University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

19 Years

Max Age

22 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2019-04-30

Primary Completion

2019-06-11

Completion

2019-06-20

Countries

• Serbia

Study Locations