Parameters of Suspension Training on Core Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: The core is a functional unit connecting the upper and lower extremities consisting of abdominal, back, and hip musculature. A highly functional core is essential within the kinetic chain and aids in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Traditional means of core stability training are performed on a stable surface. An emerging mode of core training is suspension training (ST), which utilizes a movement paired with instability to challenge the core stabilizers and increase motor unit recruitment.The purpose of suspension training is to increase muscle activation in core stabilizer’s, while mimicking functional movements.It was the purpose of this research to determine the impact of ST on core performance. Focused Clinical Question: What parameters of suspension training improve core performance in healthy participants? Summary of Key Findings: Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Search Strategy: Two researchers explored evidence using key search terms: core stability AND suspension training. Evidence at a level 2B on the CEBM or higher published in 2015 or after were included in the analysis of results. Databases searched: EBSCO and PubMed Central. Summary of Key Findings: Suspension training programs should include at a minimum 5 full body exercises for overall improvement in core performance.2,11,12,14,16 Programs lasting three weeks or more showed improvement in overall core performance. 12,14,16 Programs taking place 3 days for a minimum of 45 minutes showed significant improvement 12,14,16 Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence reviewed suggests improvement in core performance can be achieved with the inclusion of ST.1-4,6-8 Core performance may show improvement with little as 9 training sessions but most programming lasted up to 6 months.4, 6-8 Exercises that demonstrated improvements in core performance are chest-press, glute bridges, regular and side plank exercises, pike and tuck exercises, squat and push-up variations, and bicycle crunches.2,11-12,14-16 The duration of a ST session should last a minimum of 30 minutes.6-8 No consensus as to the sets and reps of exercises were concluded. Strength of Recommendation: A grade of B evidence exists that suspension training is an effective intervention to improve core performance while following the minimum identified parameters.