The Effect of a Novel Training Program to Improve Trunk Stability Push Up Performance in Active Females: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Trunk stability is a risk factor commonly associated with lower extremity injuries, particularly in females. Performance on trunk stability tasks, such as the Trunk Stability Push Up (TSPU), is less than optimal in females. Current corrective programs include few females, and clinically, improvements for females have been minimal. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of a novel trunk stability intervention program in improving TSPU performance in a cohort of active female participants. It was hypothesized that ≥60% of participants would improve their TSPU scores to ≥2 via Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) criteria following a novel six-week intervention program. STUDY DESIGN: Pilot Cohort Study METHODS: Participants were screened for pain with lumbar and shoulder clearing tests and hypermobility was assessed using Beighton scores. Additional testing included a breathing screen, the FMS™, Y-Balance Test-Lower Quarter and Y-Balance Test-Upper Quarter. Participants who scored a 1 on the TSPU received a home exercise program instructed by student physical therapists. Exercises focused on improving awareness of lumbar spine position and thoracic spine mobility. Participants returned for follow-ups after two and four weeks for instruction in exercise progression, which increased postural demand on the lumbar spine and upper extremities, and utilized closed-chain, multiplanar stability strategies. RESULTS: Nine of 20 participants (45%) scored ≥2 on the TSPU at posttest. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 12 participants were able to complete all posttest outcome measures. No significant differences were noted in the remaining outcome measures. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a multiplanar exercise approach, combining anti-extension and anti-rotation training, was beneficial for inducing trunk stability improvements in some active females. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b