A new study examines what may cause chronic back pain in runners and the exercises to help prevent it. The study from the Ohio State University Medical Centre was published in the Journal of Biomechanics.

What: 

The study suggests that runners with weak deep core muscles are at higher risk of developing low back pain.

Why:

The body’s compensation for weak deep core muscles increases the load on the spine whilst allowing the runner to essentially run in the same way. Many athletes neglect their deep core.

How:

There is a lot of misinformation available on the web & in magazines about  core strength. Traditional ab exercises, sit-ups & back extensions will not give a strong core.

Physiotherapy:

At SPS we understand the role the deep core plays & provide exercise programmes featuring static exercises. Our pilates classes teach how to activate the core & use these muscles in a functional way.

Reference:
Margaret E. Raabe, Ajit M.W. Chaudhari.  Biomechanical consequences of running with deep core muscle weakness. Journal of Biomechanics, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.11.037