YouTube as a tool for core stability exercise training a content evaluation study

YouTube® has become a widely used source of health-related information, and individuals with different health conditions increasingly rely on this platform to obtain exercise guidance. The aim of this study was to assess the content accuracy, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos related to core stability exercise training. A systematic search on YouTube using keywords related to core exercises identified relevant videos. The videos were classified according to their content characteristics and the professional identity of the uploader. Content reliability and video quality were assessed using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) and the Global Quality Scale (GQS), respectively. Video popularity was quantitatively assessed using two commonly used metrics: the Video Power Index (VPI) and the View Ratio (VR). Each video was independently evaluated by two physiotherapists experienced in exercise and rehabilitation. A total of 136 videos were analyzed, of which 89% were classified as useful and 11% as misleading, with statistically significant differences in mDISCERN and GQS scores between the two groups (p<0.05). Based on the video source, the Kruskal–Wallis H test revealed statistically significant differences in scores among groups (p<0.05), with videos uploaded by healthcare professionals and organizations demonstrating higher quality and reliability. Furthermore, linear regression analysis demonstrated no significant associations between video popularity metrics and mDISCERN or GQS scores. Inter-rater reliability, assessed using Cohen’s kappa, indicated substantial agreement for mDISCERN (κ = 0.660) and GQS (κ = 0.610). Although the majority of YouTube® videos on core stability exercise training were classified as useful, a notable proportion contained misleading information that may negatively influence users. Video popularity metrics do not reliably reflect content quality or reliability; therefore, users should avoid selecting videos based solely on popularity indicators. Greater attention to the professional identity of video uploaders is warranted, as content produced by healthcare professionals and organizations tends to provide more accurate, reliable, and higher-quality information.