Exercícios de estabilização central como intervenção para aperfeiçoamento da performance: uma revisão crítica da literatura

Abstract

Currently, sports medicine practitioners are using the core stabilization techniques to improving performance. In addition, authors argue that core stability is crucial for efficient biomechanical function to maximize force generation and minimize the load on the peripheral joints. However, other authors state that no positive relationship can be found between the training of core stability and performance. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is evidence about the practice of core stabilization exercises as an intervention for improving performance in recreational athletes and professionals, and point out the advantages, disadvantages and constraints associated with this method. The electronic data base PubMed was queried retrospectively, and the articles identified by the initial search strategy were evaluated according to the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-one articles were selected for this study, being thirteen critical reviews, a systematic review and seven clinical trials. The systematic review concluded that, for the improvement of performance in specific sports, other training methods are more or as effective as training with instability. On the other hand, analyzing the critical reviews, six supported the use of the central stabilization training for enhanced performance (with caveats), six other stated that this type of training influences performance indirectly by allowing the athletes to train without injury. Only one review pointed criticism of the use of this training. Among the selected clinical trials, five supported the use of core stabilization exercises, two others found no relationship between core stabilization exercises and improved performance. Analyzing the clinical trials were identified conceptual and methodological differences that may affect results: differences with the dependent variables assessed and exercises considered as the core training itself, the experimental groups performed other exercises than core training, there were differences in relation to the fitness level of subjects.. Thus, studies that have attempted to correlate the performance improvement with core stabilization training are limited and conflicting.