Getting to the Core of Injury Prevention among Athletes

Female athletes are at greater risk for leg injuries than males. Scientists think weakness of the core muscles is to blame. Core strength refers to the muscles around the pelvis and low back area, including the abdominal, hip, and trunk muscles. Researchers at the University of Delaware have something to say about this theory.

Physical therapists measured the difference in core strength between males and females. They also looked for any links between core stability in injured and uninjured athletes. All the athletes were involved in basketball or track. Everyone was tested two weeks before practice started. They were followed until the end of the season. The report explains each test done and the position used to test core muscles. The number of injuries and days lost due to injury were recorded for each athlete.

The authors reported on the core stability measurements between men and women. They also compared results of injured and uninjured athletes. The results show that 35 percent of women were injured, compared to 22 percent of men. Some athletes had more than one injury. The average time to return to play was about one week.

Findings also included:

  • male athletes have more core stability than female athletes
  • injured athletes had lower core stability than uninjured athletes
  • weak hip muscles are a risk factor for injury

    Results were the same for both sports. This study shows the importance of core stability in preventing leg injuries.



    References: Darin T. Leetun, et al. Core Stability Measures as Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Injury in Athletes. In Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. June 2004. Vol. 36. No. 6. Pp. 926-934.

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