Effects of core strengthening exercise on colon transit time in young adult women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of core strengthening exercise (CSE) on colon transit time (CTT) in young adult women. METHODS: Eighty women (mean age 23 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to participate in a 12-week, instructor-led group CSE program (CSE group [CSEG]; n = 40) or to maintain usual daily activities (control group [CG]; n = 40). 27 participants in the CSEG and 21 participants in the CG completed the study. The CSE program consisted of 60-min sessions, two days a week, for 12 weeks. CTT was measured using a multiple marker technique with a radio-opaque marker. Data were analyzed with a 2-way, repeated measures ANCOVA. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, The CSEG showed significant improvements in trunk flexor power (P = 0.031), peak torque (P = 0.032), and endurance (P = 0.011). The CSEG also showed improvements in the sit-up (P < 0.001) and side-step (P = 0.043) tests compared to the CG. While there was not a significant group difference between the CSEG and CG, left CTT (P = 0.021) and total CTT (P = 0.006) decreased significantly within the CSEG group only. CONCLUSION: The 12-week CSE program increased abdominal strength but did not improve CTT compared to the control group. This study also provides preliminary data that CSE may reduce left CTT and total CTT, but additional clinical trials are needed.