Author(s)

Jiaqi Zhang

Corresponding Author

Jiaqi Zhang

ABSTRACT

The core muscle has been subject to research since the early 1980s. The significance of the core muscle in all kinds of activities is increasingly recognized. The core muscle is being regarded as the key point for efficient biomechanical function in generation of force and reduction of joint loads and the coordination of the core muscle is pivotal to successful dynamic balance in those activities. There are many studies that promote core training and exercises for performance enhancement without providing a strong scientific rationale of the physiological function of the core muscle, especially in the sporting sector. The aim of this study was to review the current literature on the function of the core muscle in sport activities. A review of the literature was conducted on the PubMed, Elsevier and Web of Science electronic databases for studies on this topic. In this article, a rather comprehensive illustration of the core muscle group from an anatomical and physiological view was reviewed. The composition, position, classification and function of the core muscle group were introduced. For different functions of the core muscle, the corresponding exercises which could be referred to were provided. The participation of the core muscle was explained in detail in three different sport activities, i.e. running, dancing and boxing, as specific examples. The main findings indicate that the enhancement of the core muscle group could be an important factor of athletic performance. However, a lack of specific data and values indicating the degree of engagement of the core muscles in sport activities was revealed.

KEYWORDS

Core muscle, performance, sport activities, physiology