Core Stability
Definition
The ability of the trunk musculature (diaphragm, transversus abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor, obliques) to maintain spinal position and resist perturbation during movement. True core stability is not about abdominal strength in isolation -- it is the coordinated pressurization of the abdominal canister through proper breathing mechanics and muscle sequencing.
Clinical Significance
Core stability deficits are often misdiagnosed as core weakness and treated with crunches and planks. However, if the rib cage is flared (poor ZOA) and the diaphragm cannot function properly, no amount of abdominal exercise will create genuine stability. The canister needs to be positioned correctly (rib cage over pelvis, ZOA restored) before it can pressurize effectively. Assessment of core stability requires evaluating rib cage position, breathing pattern, and pelvic position -- not just testing plank duration.
How AKMI Assesses This
AKMI evaluates core stability through rib cage position assessment, breathing pattern evaluation, and functional movement observation under load. A client who can plank for two minutes but cannot maintain rib cage position during an overhead press has a positioning problem, not a strength problem. The assessment identifies which component of the stability system is failing.
Get your general assessed
A biomechanical assessment measures core stability and its relationship to the rest of your structural chain. 18 tests, objective data, personalized programming.