University of Oregon

Department of Human Physiology Graduate Studies in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine

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The Effect of a Core Stabilization Intervention on Movement Screen Scores in Collegiate Football Players

Emily Ambrose MS, ATC & Luke Montgomery MA, ATC

Background:
The efficacy of movement screens in the early identification and correction of movement dysfunctions has gained clinical interest, but has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective:
To examine the effect of traditional core stability and Pilates reformer exercises on movement screen scores.

Methods:
57 collegiate football players completed baseline movement screens and were divided into 3 equal groups. The Pilates and core stability groups were given exercises to perform over a 6-week period, while control subjects received no intervention.

Results:
26 subjects completed follow-up screens: Pilates (N=6), core stability (N=12), and control group (N=8). Intervention programs did not produce detectable changes in mean movement screen scores (P>.05).

Conclusion:
While statistically insignificant, core stability training may be clinically significant in that a 1.5 point improvement in mean score was observed in both intervention groups. This study supports further investigation of core stability interventions as a means to improve movement screen performance.