EFFECTS OF CORE EXERCISE ON SPINE POSTURE AND TRUNK NEUROMUSCULAR ABILITIES IN HEALTHY, RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE MALES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background
Postural misalignment and reduced trunk endurance are common even among healthy young adults. Although core exercise is considered a preventive strategy, scientific evidence remains limited. This study examined the effects of a six-week core exercise program on spinal alignment and trunk neuromuscular endurance in healthy, recreationally active males.

Material and methods
This randomized controlled trial was conducted over six weeks at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. One hundred thirty-eight males (age 23.3±0.9 years) were randomly allocated to exercise (n=73) or control (n=65) groups. Outcomes included spinal posture variables measured with the CONTEMPLAS 2D/3D system and three trunk neuromuscular tests. Repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed time and interaction effects (α=0.05).

Results
Significant group × time interactions were observed for thoracic distance (p=0.02; 95% CI-3.24 to 0.37 cm), lumbar distance (p<0.001; 95% CI-1.58 to 0.47 cm), Thoracic Kyphosis Index (p<0.001; 95% CI-0.24 to 0.00), and cervico-lumbar angle (p<0.001; 95% CI-0.74 to 1.65°). Trunk endurance improved significantly for back extensor (p<0.001; 95% CI-11.26 to 36.70 s), flexor (p<0.001; 95% CI-41.41 to 83.95 s), and Double Leg Lowering (p<0.001; 95% CI-6.78 to 15.82°) tests.

Conclusions
A structured six-week core exercise program significantly improved spinal posture and trunk endurance, supporting its use as an effective, non-invasive strategy to promote spinal health in young adults.