Comparative analysis of the effects of real-time audio-visual feedback, yoga and pressure biofeedback stabilizer in core strengthening: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Study aim: To compare the efficiency of a pressure biofeedback stabilizer (PBS), Riablo audio-visual feedback (RAV), and yoga in core strengthening exercise protocols in overweight individuals with trunk instability. Materials and methods: The randomized controlled trial included 144 overweight individuals with trunk stability ≤ 42.3% (72 male, 72 female), age 27±5 years and BMI 27.1±1.1. They were equally divided into three experimental groups (PBS, RAV, and Yoga) and one control group. A pre-test was conducted for trunk instability using the modified double straight leg lowering test followed by 6 weeks of core strengthening exercise protocols. A post-test was conducted four times after commencing the exercise protocols at the end of the first, second, third and sixth week. Results: The RAV group exhibited significant improvement from the first week ( β = 1.5, SE = 0.33, p = 0.02) to the sixth week ( β = 20.2, SE = 0.329, p < 0.001) in trunk stability. Although the first week result was negligible for the Yoga group, it showed improvement from the second week and reached a maximum at the sixth week ( β = 13.9, SE = 0.329, p < 0.001). The PBS group showed slow but consistent improvement, noted from the third week and reaching a peak in the sixth week ( β = 6.9, SE = 0.329, p < 0.001), while the control group exhibited no progress in trunk stability. Conclusions: The RAV training protocol improved core stability in overweight subjects faster than yoga and PBS protocols. All three training protocols improved core stability and balance compared to the control group, and exhibited a time-dependent association. To attain trunk stability faster and more efficiently, we suggest implementing the RAV core strengthening protocol.