A Comparative Study between Stable and Unstable Surface Training on Transversus Abdominis Muscle and Functional Performance in Male Cricketers

Introduction: Literature suggests that all movements of the body either originate in or are coupled through the trunk by a strong core. This becomes vital when the goal is high-level athletic performance. There is conflicting evidence with regards to whether training on stable surface or unstable surface should be advocated for progression of core stability.

Aim: To compare the effect of six weeks of core muscle training on stable surface with unstable surface on Transversus Abdominis muscle and functional performance in male cricketers.

Study design: Experimental

Methodology: 24 healthy male cricketers (age 18-25 years), were randomly selected and randomly assigned to either Group1 (Core muscle training on Stable surface) Group2 (Core muscle training on Unstable surface). Participants were assessed on the following outcome measures before and after 6 weeks of Core muscle training. 1) Width of Transversus Abdominis muscle at rest&on contraction- using Real Time Ultrasound Imaging. 2) Functional performance tests a) Standing Stork Test b) Speed-Single Sprint Test (17.7m) c) Speed-Agility: Run Three 505 Agility Test d) Vertical Jump Height Test

Results: Data was analysed using paired t-test for within group analysis and unpaired t-test for between group analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p <0.05. Both the groups showed significant improvement on all outcome measures. On comparison, core muscle training on unstable surface training produced more statistically significant hypertrophy in Transversus Abdominis (p=0.0103), to training on stable surface, but there was no statistically significant difference in functional performance tests.

Conclusion: In male cricketers, Core muscle training of six weeks on unstable surface produced more statistically significant hypertrophy in Transversus Abdominis muscle, but there was no difference on functional performance tests when compared to core muscle training on stable surface.