Center of attention: reconsidering the cricketers’ core

Practitioners may instruct athletes to do the abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) in isolation or while performing a straight leg raise, arm lift, planking, and side planking^(2,4,6). All these exercises aim to pre-brace the spine.

While research using MRI, ultrasound imaging, and electromyography activity confirm activation of the core muscles during these exercises, the exercises are done in a static manner^(7,8). However, all cricket-related activities are dynamic. Therefore, the ability of these exercises to directly affect players’ cricketing performance is debatable. From an injury prevention perspective, it is questionable if statically trained core muscles would still support the spine at high speeds and under high loads associated with, for example, bowling.

Low back pain is usually associated with increased nerve, disc, vertebral body, or joint compression. The performance of core exercises increases intra-abdominal pressure, further increasing pressure on affected spinal structures. Practitioners should therefore reconsider the rationale for including core exercises in rehabilitating LBP.

A new perspective on proximal stability

The core concept follows that distal mobility requires proximal stability. However, the body is a three-dimensional (3D) movement system consisting of myofascial trains that function on the principle of tensegrity (see figure 2)⁽⁹⁾. Biotensegrity implies that biological structures such as muscles, bones, fascia, ligaments and tendons, or rigid and elastic cell membranes, are strengthened by the unison of tensioned and compressed parts⁽⁹⁾. Humans have spines surrounded by muscles that control movement and body posture and can generate forces that stiffen the spine. The tension that the limbs create by moving away from the body creates tension (stability) in the proximal part of the body. In high-load situations, co-activation of this 3D movement system and intra-abdominal pressure stiffens and protect the spine.

The spinal engine

The spinal engine model depicts the body as a spiraling spring system (see figure 3). It is the mechanism that introduces torsion to the spine as a result of lateral flexion of the vertebral column in combination with the curvatures of the spine⁽¹⁰⁾. To produce the waist power necessary for high-level sports performances, the rotational motion of the trunk and the internal motion at the hip joints must harmonize with the spinal engine. Optimal mechanical functioning of the spine is necessary for optimal mechanical functioning of the limbs.

At back foot contact (A), a bowler lifts the left front leg to facilitate lateral bend of the lumbar spine. At front foot contact(B), lumbar lordosis is prominent, and the bowler uses body weight to flex the spine laterally to the left. This coupled spine motion induces axial torque, driving the shoulders above and over the pelvis during ball release(C).

The spinal engine theory requires the lumbar spine to be flexed laterally to produce axial torque. The significant torque required to run, bowl, throw or hit a ball demands a large degree of lateral flexion. Additionally, the pelvis must also be tilted. The combined movements of the spine and pelvis result in axial rotation and are prominent during throwing, batting, and bowling (see figure 4). This dynamic view of the spine contradicts the traditional view of the core that involves stiffening the spine by bracing.

The stretch reflex and reactive ability

Cricketers run, jump, throw, and bat during training sessions and matches. Depending on the execution speed, these activities are plyometric. Explosive, plyometric actions require an involuntary series of coordinated, sequenced stretch reflexes dictated by the interplay between Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindles. Traditional core exercises do not elicit the stretch reflex. Static spinal bracing requires co-contraction of various muscles, thereby inhibiting their plyometric ability.

Practical implication

A cricketer’s conditioning program should not only activate the intended myofascial chains but activate them in a manner that is sufficiently similar to cricketing activities. The exercises should promote the spinal engine and the stretch reflex (see figure 5). Therefore, practitioners must consider the speed and range of motion when prescribing exercises.

Conclusion

The core theory has been well described and implemented in cricket rehabilitation and strength conditioning programs. However, research investigating the association between core muscle characteristics and various aspects of cricketers’ performance and injury risk is conflicting. Considering the principles of biotensegrity, the spinal engine model, and the demands of cricket-related activities, the transferability of traditional core strengthening should be reconsidered. Instead, practitioners should research and incorporate dynamic exercises that closely simulate the game’s physical demands when designing cricket performance and injury prevention strategies.

References

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