Abstract Martuscello, JM, Nuzzo, JL, Ashley, CD, Campbell, BI, Orriola, JJ, and Mayer, JM.
Systematic review of core muscle activity during physical fitness exercises. J Strength Cond
Res 27 (6): 1684–1698, 2013—A consensus has not been reached among strength and
conditioning specialists regarding what physical fitness exercises are most effective to
stimulate activity of the core muscles. Thus, the purpose of this article was to systematically
review the literature on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of 3 core muscles (lumbar …

Activating the core muscles through exercise training programs is believed to be important
for athletic performance. Considerable attention has been credited to the lumbar multifidus,
transverse abdominis, and quadratus lumborum in designing exercise training programs.
Numerous core exercise claims and recommendations abound in the fitness and physical
therapy communities touting a superior core challenge for these muscles. The plethora of
core activation literature with conflicting outcomes has convoluted the process of choosing …