The effect of static and dynamic core exercises on dynamic balance, spinal stability, and hip mobility in female office workers

Comparison of the Effects of Two Different Exercise Programs on Lower Limb Functions, Posture, and Physical Activity in Office Workers Working at Home and in Office Alternately: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of online functional exercises and posture exercises on lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity in office workers working at home and in office alternately during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Forty individuals were included in the study and were randomized into two groups: group I (functional exercise group, 20 participants) and group II (posture exercise group, 20 participants). The exercises programs were performed online for 2 days/in a week/8 wk. Lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity were evaluated before and after the exercise program.

RESULT

Significant improvement was obtained in lower limb functions (muscular endurance, balance, and functional capacity), posture, and physical activity in group I, while significant improvement was obtained in balance and functional capacity in group II after treatment. The change in scores of lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity after treatment was statistically superior in group I compared with group II ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that both online exercise programs provided effective results in office workers working at home and in office alternately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the functional exercise program had superior effects on lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity compared with the posture exercise program.

Effects of core training on dynamic balance stability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Core stability has a strong relationship with dynamic balance stability (DBS). The purpose of this review with meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of core training programmes from different studies on DBS. A literature search was performed using different databases. Subgroups analyses on duration, training frequency, total sessions, chronological age, training status, equipment and movements were performed. A random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Thirteen studies were selected for the systematic review and 10 for the meta-analysis, comprising 226 participants. A moderate effect was noted for core training on DBS (p < 0.001; ES = 0.634). Greater DBS improvements were found in core training interventions with ≤6 weeks (ES = 0.714), after high volume (ES = 0.787) and more frequent interventions (ES = 0.787), as well as in younger participants (ES = 0.832). In addition, body weight exercises may be better than med ball, swiss ball or band resisted exercises. Core training improves DBS among athletes and a non-trained population, creating a more solid stable base that allows better lower extremity movements. This could be more effective considering different modulators ≤6 weeks intervention, >2 sessions per week, >17 total sessions, body weight core programmes and applied to ≤18.0 years old.