Research

Behm D, Drinkwater E, Williardson J, Cowley P. The use of instability to train the core musculature. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2010:35;91-108

Conclusion: ground-based freeweight lifts should form the foundation of training the core musculature.   pubmed

Cholewicki J, Panjabi M, Khachatryan A. Stabilizing function of trunk flexor-extensor muscles around a neutral spine posture. Spine 1997 Oct 1;22(19):2207-12.    pubmed

Conclusion: a antagonistic trunk flexor-extensor muscle coactivation was present around the neutral spine, which increased with added mass to the torso.

Cichanowski H, Schmitt J, Jofnson R, Niemuth P. Hip Strength in Collegiate Female Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise August 2007;39(8):1227-1232     article

Conclusion: adding strengthening exercises to the hip muscles may be important in managing female athletes.

Filipa A, Byrnes R, Paterno M, Myer G, Hewett T. Neuromuscular training improves performance on the star excursion balance test in young female athletes .J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(9):551-558          article                                                                                                         

Conclusion: soccer players demonstrated an improved performance after NMTP that focused on core stability. 

Hodges P, Richardson C. Contraction of the abdominal muscles associated with movement of the lower limb.  Phys Ther 1997 Feb;77(2):132-42   article

Conclusion: stabilization of the spine occurs by contraction of the abdominal and multifidus muscles in anticipation of reactive forces produce by limb movement.

Hubscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hansel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a sytematic review. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2010 Mar;42(3):413-421   pubmed

Conclusion: showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/neuromuscular training in reducing incidence of sports injuries

Lanning C, Uhl T, Ingram C, Mattacola C, English T, Newsom S. Baseline values of trunk endurance and hip strength in collegiate athletes. J athl Train Oct-Dec 2006;41(4):427-34     article

Conclusion: data from these tests allow for the development of baseline values for each test.

McGill S, Grenier S, Kavcic N, Cholewicki J. Coordination of muscle activity to assure stability of the lumbar spine. J. Electromyogr.Kinesiol. 2003;13:353-359.     pubmed

Sharrock C, Cropper J, Mostad J, Johnson M, Malone T. A pilot study of core stability and athletic performance:is there a relationship? Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2011 June; 6(2): 63–74.   pubmed

Sherry M, Best T, Heiderscheit B The Core: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: January 2005;15(1):1-2   article

Conclusion: a program consisting of agility and trunk stabilization exercises is more effective than a program emphasising isolated hamstring stretching and strengthening.

Voight M, Hoogenboom B, Cook G. The chop and lift reconsidered: integrating neuromuscular principles into orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. N Am J Sports Phys Ther Aug 2008;3(3):151-159     pubmed

Waldhelm A Assessment of core stability: developing practical models.  

article

Willardson J. Core stability training: applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2007;21(3): 979-985   pubmed

Williardson J. Unstable resistance exercises. National Strength and Conditioning Association hot topic.    link

Conclusion: healthy athletes who laready perform traditional resistance exercises are likely receiving sufficient core stability training without the need for swiss ball exercises.

Zazulak B, Hewett T, Reeves N, Goldberg B, Cholewicki J. Deficits in Neuromuscular Control of the Trunk Predict Knee Injury Risk A Prospective Biomechanical-Epidemiologic Study Am J Sports Med July 2007;35(7):1123-1130   article

Conclusion: factors related to core stability predicted risk of athletic knee injuries.