| The purpose of this study was to determine whether a six-week core stability training intervention utilizing a foam roller, increased muscle activation of the external obliques (EO) and transversus abdominis (TrA), and overall lower abdominal performance. A total of 30 uninjured, female subjects (mean age = 19.97, +/- 1.47 years; mean height = 164.40, +/- 6.72 cm; mean weight = 64.23, +/- 9.20 kg) were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Electromyography (EMG) of the EO was measured during a resisted knee roll. The Stabilizer(TM) pressure biofeedback unit (Chattanooga, Australia) measured TrA activation, and Sahrmann's Lower Abdominal Series measured overall lower abdominal performance. Following a core stability training program utilizing a foam roller, subjects in the experimental group showed a significant (p < .05) increase in TrA activation and overall lower abdominal performance relative to the control group. Subjects in the control group showed no statistically significant change. The findings of the study suggest that a foam roller core stability training intervention can increase activation of the TrA and provide an overall increase in lower abdominal performance. |
