Core Muscle Activation With Pelvic Neutral Positioning in Division I Soccer Athletes

The purpose of this study is to assess whether finding pelvic neutral before or during an isometric loaded task will influence the muscle recruitment pattern between local and global core musculature. The loaded tasks are a prone plank, side plank, and glute bridge. The local musculature being investigated are the internal oblique and multifidus, and the global musculature being investigated are the rectus abdominis and lateral erector spinae. Participants will complete maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) for the rectus abdominis and internal oblique along with lateral erector spinae and multifidus. Participants will view a standardized video demonstration of anterior pelvic tilt, posterior pelvic tilt, and neutral pelvic tilt positioning and will practice finding each position. Participants will complete a prone plank, right and left side plank, and glute bridge with pelvic neutral set prior to loading the exercise position and with pelvic neutral set after assuming the loaded exercise position. The exercise and condition order will be randomized, and muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals * Ages 18-25 years old * Members of the St. John's University men's or women's Division I soccer teams in Queens, New York Exclusion Criteria: * History of low back pain requiring any medical evaluation or physical therapy intervention within the past six months * Any prior lumbopelvic surgery * Current pain in the upper extremity, lower extremity, or spine that limits participants' ability to perform the required exercises * Onset or exacerbation of pain during the data collection process * Any known skin conditions or sensitivities to EMG sensors