Short time effects of 30’ core training protocol using Flowin® on posture and metabolic parameters in healthy subjects

Aim: Core training exercises are commonly performed in clinical, fitness and sport fields to improve performance and wellness. Despite his wide diffusion for healthy and unhealthy people, confusion still exist about focus, time and kind of training and many different tools are currently suggested (barbells, dumbbells, unstable surfaces, gliding and sling-based devices). Recently, sliding devices (like Flowin® tool) have been largely promoted to increase neuromuscular and metabolic load, in relation to specific body responses during friction and gliding movements. The aim of this study is to analyze the short time effects of 30’ core training protocol using Flowin® tool on posture and metabolic parameters. Methods: Ten healthy and trained subjects volunteered for the study. They performed a 30’ training protocol with focus on core stability and postural control during static and dynamic movements executed in different positions (standing, supine, prone and side positions) to continuously stress the whole body by gliding effects. Trunk mobility (SPINE) was evaluated pre and post training during standing (ST), flexion (FLEX), extension (EXT) and side bending (SIDE) movements by Spinal Mouse system. Heart rate (HR), breathing rate (BH), energy consumption (Kcal) and metabolic equivalent (MET) were recorded during training with a portable device (Zephyr Bioharness) and CR10 Borg’ s Scale (BORG) was used to assess the individual perceived effort. Results: Mean HR and BR during training were 152 ± 12 (range 103 ± 14 – 188 ± 19) and 28 ± 4 (range 8 ± 6 – 47 ± 4), respectively. Mean energy consumption was 396 ± 81 Kcal and mean MET was 10,6 ± 2,9, while mean BORG was 7,6 ± 0,9. SPINE slightly improved in left SIDE, FLEX and EXT for thoracic region, even of not significantly (p>0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a short time (30 minutes) core training program using Flowin® can stress the whole body system by producing medium-high intensity metabolic responses (mean HR%= 80%) and increasing trunk mobility. Consequently, Flowin ® is an efficient tools for this kind of training. Reference: Escamilla R.F., Babb E., Dewitt R., Jew P., Kelleher P. et al. (2006) Electromyographic analysis of traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises: implications for rehabilitation and training. Phys Ther 86(5):656-671