Likewise, few studies exist to support a relationship between core stability and athletic performance. A limited body of evidence provides some support for a link between core stability and upper extremity injuries amongst athletes who participate in baseball, football, or swimming. Muscle capacity and neuromuscular control are critical components of core stability. DISCUSSION:Ĭore stability is the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk for optimal production, transfer, and control of forces to and from the upper and lower extremities during functional activities. 3) Provide an overview of evidence for the association between core stability and athletic performance. 2) Provide an overview of current science linking core stability to musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity. OBJECTIVES:ġ) Open a dialogue on the definition and components of core stability. Despite the widespread use of core stability training amongst athletes, the question of whether or not sufficient evidence exists to support this practice remains to be answered. This approach is based upon the theory that poor core stability increases the risk of poor performance and/or injury. Programs designed to prevent or rehabilitate athletic injuries or improve athletic performance frequently focus on core stability.