Year: 2026 | Month: August | Volume: 13 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 75-80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260806
Core Muscle Activation Levels Assessed Using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dr. Kruti Desai1, Dr. Dimple Patel2, Dr. Harshal Patel3, Dr. Shamji Kalsariya4
1Assistant Professor, 2Principal, 3,4Tutor;
NAMO College of Allied Health Sciences, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, DNH&DD, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Kruti Desai
ABSTRACT
Background: Core stability, mediated by the transversus abdominis (TrA), is vital for spinal protection and functional movement. Impaired activation of these deep stabilizers is a recognized precursor to musculoskeletal dysfunction and low back pain. While the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) is a validated tool for assessing TrA recruitment during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, normative data for healthy young adults is limited.
Objectives: This study sought to quantify transversus abdominis activation using the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and categorize the distribution of core stability levels among healthy college students aged 18–22 years.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the NAMO College of Allied Health Sciences among 185 participants recruited via purposive sampling. Healthy students aged 18–22 years were included, while those with a history of low back pain, fractures, or neuromuscular disorders were excluded. Core activation was assessed using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) in a supine crook-lying position during the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver (ADIM) from a 40-mmHg baseline. Participants were categorized into three functional activation patterns based on pressure readings: Optimal TrA Control (40-50 mmHg hold), Compensatory Global Bracing (>50mmHg), and Weak/Insufficient Recruitment (< 40 mmHg).
Results: The mean pressure deviation during the hold phase across the cohort was 41.69 ± 5.62 mmHg. Overall, only 41.1% (n = 76) of participants demonstrated optimal core activation. Suboptimal core control was observed in 58.9% (n = 109) of the sample: 42.7% (n = 79) exhibited compensatory global stabilizer activation (pressure increase > 50 mmHg), and 16.2% (n = 30) demonstrated insufficient recruitment (pressure drop < 40 mmHg or inability to sustain baseline control).
Conclusion: The study identifies a significant prevalence (58.9%) of suboptimal core stabilizer control among college students. The high rate of compensatory global muscle recruitment underscores a critical need for targeted neuromuscular re-education and core stability programming to prevent early-onset postural and musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Keywords: Core Stability, Pressure Biofeedback Unit, Transversus Abdominis, College Students
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