Effects of Core Exercise on Posture and Trunk Endurance in Sedentary Males

NCT06877806 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 20/2018
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 230
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Increased sedentary lifestyles due to modern technological advancements have negatively impacted posture and trunk stability. Proper posture relies on balanced dorsal and ventral muscles, trunk stabilization, and joint flexibility. Deviations in these factors may lead to postural abnormalities and, over time, structural deformities. Early detection and intervention through corrective exercises can mitigate these issues. Various measurement techniques, including 2D and 3D scanning, allow for objective posture assessment. Core stabilization exercises have been shown to influence spinal alignment and muscle endurance, improving postural control. However, limited research focuses on young adult males. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week core exercise program on posture and trunk endurance in sedentary university students. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on male university students at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. Participants were recruited through an open call, and those with prior musculoskeletal, neurological, or metabolic conditions were excluded. The final sample included 138 participants divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG followed an 8-week core stabilization program, while the CG did not receive any intervention. Postural assessments were conducted using CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO software with 2D and 3D analysis protocols. Measurements included the Fröner Posture Index (PI) and the Kyphosis-Inclination-Lordosis (KIL) scheme, evaluating thoracic kyphosis, cervico-lumbar, and lumbar-gluteal angles. Trunk endurance was assessed through the Sorensen Back Extensor Test (BET), the Abdominal Flexor Endurance Test (FET), and the Double Leg Lowering Test (DLL). The intervention program consisted of progressive core stabilization exercises, increasing in difficulty from basic planks to exercises on unstable surfaces. The experimental group underwent structured core training three times a week for eight weeks. The program included exercises to enhance mobility and strengthen the neck, shoulders, pelvis, and hips, with a focus on stabilizing the spine through anti-flexion, anti-extension, and anti-rotation movements. Exercises progressed from static planks to dynamic and unstable surface training. The control group did not participate in any structured physical activity.

Conditions

Posture; Trunk Muscle Endurance

Keywords

Core exercise; Sedentary males; Posture; Trunk endurance; Neuromuscular improvement

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (9)

• 3D Cervical

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 3D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: CV7 - Cervical Vertebrae 7 and SACR - Sacrum and system calculate distance cervical spine - sacrum. Distance indicates the cervical spine regarding the vertical line projection of the sacrum (the bone at the bottom of the spine) in the sagittal plane. Values are presented in centimeters (cm).

  6 weeks

• 3D Thoracic

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 3D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: MAI - Midpoint Between the Inferior Angles of Most Caudal Points of the Two Scapula and SACR - Sacrum and system calculate distance thoracic spine - sacrum. Distance indicates the thoracic spine regarding the vertical line projection of the sacrum (the bone at the bottom of the spine) in the sagittal plane. Values are presented in centimeters (cm).

  6 weeks

• 3D Lumbar

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 3D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: LV1 - Lumbar Level Vertebrae 1 and SACR - Sacrum and system calculate distance Lumbar spine - sacrum. Distance indicates the lumbar (lower) spine regarding the vertical line projection of the sacrum (the bone at the bottom of the spine) in the sagittal plane. Values are presented in centimeters (cm).

  6 weeks

• Thoracic kyphosis Index (TKI)

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 2D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: C - Cervical Vertebrae 7; D - Midpoint Between the Inferior Angles of Most Caudal Points of the Two Scapula; L - Lumbar Level Vertebrae 1; G - Maximal present point of gluteus; D1 - Vertical projection that connect line from Cervical point to Lumbar point. TKI=(D\*D1)\*25/ distance from C to L; Values: Optimal 2,3 to 3,0; Acceptable 3,1 to 4,0; Marginal 4,1 to 4,4; Suspicious 4,5 to 5,0; Conspicuous more than 5,0.

  6 weeks

• Cervical-lumbar lead angle (CLL)

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 2D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: C - Cervical Vertebrae 7; D - Midpoint Between the Inferior Angles of Most Caudal Points of the Two Scapula; L - Lumbar Level Vertebrae 1; G - Maximal present point of gluteus; D1 - Vertical projection that connect line from Cervical point to Lumbar point. CLL angle was measured at point L. It presents the angle between the perpendicular and the connection line of point L and C. It describes the sagittal inclination of the spine. Values: Optimal --2 to 1; Acceptable -2 to -6; Marginal -7 to -8; Suspicious -9 to -10,5; Conspicuous less than -10,5.

  6 weeks

• Lumbar-gluteal lead angle (LGL)

  Postural disorders were evaluated using the CONTEMPLAS TEMPLO photometric system, which analyses body alignment-based 2D protocols. Markers were set on anatomical landmark: C - Cervical Vertebrae 7; D - Midpoint Between the Inferior Angles of Most Caudal Points of the Two Scapula; L - Lumbar Level Vertebrae 1; G - Maximal present point of gluteus; D1 - Vertical projection that connect line from Cervical point to Lumbar point. Was measured at point G. The angle between the connection line of Point L to G and the perpendicular to point G. It is the measured values for the lordosis. Values: Optimal -10 to -23; Acceptable -24 to -28; Marginal -29 to -31; Suspicious -32 to -35; Conspicuous less than -36.

  6 weeks

• Sorensen Back Extensor Test (BET)

  The Sorensen Back Extensor Test (BET) assesses back extensor endurance. The subject lies prone on a table with the iliac crest aligned to the edge. The lower body is secured with straps while the upper body extends unsupported over the edge. With arms crossed over the chest, the subject maintains a horizontal position as long as possible. The test ends when the subject can no longer hold the position due to fatigue or pain. The time (in seconds) is recorded, with longer durations indicating better endurance.

  6 weeks

• Abdominal Flexor Endurance Test (FET)

  The Abdominal Flexor Endurance Test (FET) assesses core endurance. The subject sits with knees bent at 90 degrees, feet flat, and arms crossed over the chest. The upper body leans back to a 60-degree angle from the floor. Once support is removed, the subject must hold this position without moving or arching. The test ends when the subject can no longer maintain the posture. Time (in seconds) is recorded, with longer durations indicating better abdominal endurance.

  6 weeks

• Double Leg Lowering Test (DLL)

  The Double Leg Lowering Test (DLL) assesses lower abdominal and core strength. The subject lies supine with arms at the sides and legs raised to a 90-degree hip flexion. While keeping the lower back in contact with the floor, the subject slowly lowers both legs until they can no longer maintain pelvic control or lumbar stability. The angle at which the back arches or control is lost is recorded. A lower angle indicates better core strength, while early loss of control suggests weakness.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Age

  6 weeks

• Weight

  6 weeks

• Height

  6 weeks

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Core Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Core exercise and trunk endurance intervention

Other: Core exercise

Control

NO INTERVENTION

No intervention

Interventions

Core exercise OTHER

The experimental treatment had a total of 18 introductory courses lasting 30 minutes each. The treatment included exercises to increase the mobility and strength of the neck, shoulders, pelvis and hips, and anti-flexion, anti-extension and rotation exercises were used to stabilize the spine. McGill curl-up was performed during each treatment for all 6 weeks. In the first two weeks, the subjects did general and introductory exercises (all positioned planks, plank walking, forearm cranes, plank pad forearms, etc.). Week 3 and 4 with additional movements and rotations (alternating hand and foot board holding, superman posture, faceplate switches, etc.). During the fifth and sixth weeks, the exercises were performed on unstable surfaces (one-handed board, ball stirring pot, feet raised sideboard, etc.). The intensity of those training courses was individual, but each one started at submaximal.

Core Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 19 Years - 22 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• no injuries within the past six months,
• no other medical conditions, including COVID-19,
• no scheduled physical activity in the previous three months,
• we considered the experimental programs valid if participants completed at least 80% of all training sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• had a history of neurological or musculoskeletal disorders,
• had clinical conditions that could affect balance, such as motor disorders, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, vision problems, thyroid issues, or issues with nerves or blood vessels.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Novi Sad: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia

Location

Study Officials

• Dragan Marinkovic, Msc

  University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 10, 2025
• First Posted: March 14, 2025
• Study Start: April 30, 2019
• Primary Completion: June 11, 2019
• Study Completion: June 20, 2019
• Last Updated: March 14, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

SE (1)