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Biomedicine: 2020; 40(3): 377- 380 July - September 2020
www.biomedicineonline.org Biomedicine- Vol. 40 No. 3: 2020
Effects of Swiss ball exercise and Pilates exercise on core muscle strengthening in college
cricketers
Kamatchi K.1, Arun B.2, Tharani G.1, Yuvarani G.1, Vaishnavi G.1, Srilakshmi1, Kaviraja N.3
1Assistant Professor, 2Post Graduate, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute,
Velappanchavadi, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
3Pediatric developmental Therapist, KAVI’S Physiotherapy& Pediatric therapy clinic No.31, RVX Complex, Govardanagiri,
Avadi, Chennai 600,054, Tamil Nadu, India
(Received: March 2020 Revised: June 2020 Accepted: September 2020)
Corresponding author: K. Kamatchi. Email: kamatchi.physio@drmrgdu.ac.in
ABSTRACT
Introduction and Aim: Cricket is one of the most popular game in India played by men and women of all ages.
Core stability is defined as the ability to control the position and movement of the trunk over the pelvis to allow
optimum production, transfer and control of force and movement to the terminal segment. Major muscles involved
are pelvic floor muscles, Transverse abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, and rectus abdominis.
Core is used to stabilize the thorax and the pelvis during dynamic movement. The study helps to compare the
effectiveness of Swiss ball exercise and Pilates exercise on gaining core muscle strength. The aim of the study is to
compare the effect of Swiss ball exercise and Pilates exercise on core muscle strengthening in college cricketers.
Materials and Methods: The design of the study is comparative type. The study was carried out in faculty of
Physiotherapy, Dr.M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute. The study sample of 30 male college cricketers
between the age group of 18 to 25 years are included in the study. Individuals with associated neuromuscular
conditions, any injuries to lower limbs and any spinal injuries have been excluded in the study. Swiss ball and
Pilates mat are the materials used. Sphygmomanometer is the outcome measure.30 male individuals between the
age group of 18 to 25 years were divided into two groups, group A and group B. Individuals in the group A (n=15)
received the Swiss ball exercise and group B (n=15) received Pilates exercise for 4 session/ week for 6 weeks.
Results: On comparing the mean values of group A and group B on double leg lowering test (DLLT), it shows
significant decrease in the post test mean values but (group B- Pilates exercise) shows (30.60) which has the lower
mean value is more effective than (group A- Swiss ball exercise) (46.80) at P ≤ 0.001. Hence, null hypothesis is
rejected.
Conclusion: The study concluded that both the group was effective but while comparing Pilates exercise showed
the potential treatment option than swiss ball exercise. Hence, Pilates exercise was effective on core muscle
strengthening in college cricketers.
Keywords: Swiss ball; Pilates mat; core muscle; sphygmomanometer.
INTRODUCTION
ricket is one of the most famous games in
India played by men and women of all age.
The increased physical demands on the players
may increase the risk of injuries. This is because the
demands on the body from playing cricket are most
often varied as players are required to bat, bowl and
field various time throughout the game. Cricketers
must have potential strength of core muscle; a core is
the essential structure between upper limbs and lower
limbs. Therefore, it is essential to prevent low back
injuries and lower limb injury in cricketers (1).
Shoulder depression and horizontal flexion strength
for the desired limb and quadriceps power in the un-
desired limb are commonly related to back injuries.
Bowlers who rotated the trunk to re-align the
shoulders by more than 40 degree to a more side-on
position between back foot impact and front foot
impact in the delivery stride were prone to sustain
back injuries (2).
Anatomically, the sites of injuries in cricketers are
estimated in number of studies. Cricketers are more
prone to back and trunk injuries by 14-18%. The
frequency of lower limb injuries varies from 25% to
30% has been reported (3). The major causes of
injuries were found to bowling 12.5% male college
bowlers and 8.7% of cricket player. Major muscles
included are pelvic floor muscle, transverse
abdominis, multifidus, internal & external obliques
and rectus abdominis. Core is used to stabilize the
thorax and the pelvic during dynamic movement.
Core stability is defined as the ability to control the
position and movement of the trunk over pelvis to
allow correct production transfer and control of force
and motion to the terminal segment in integrated
coordinated athletic activities (1). Core Stability
Exercise (CSE) with the Abdominal Drawing in
Maneuver (ADIM) technique has been found to
mainly activate the deep abdominal muscle with
minimal (or) marginal activity of the superficial
muscle (3).
C
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Kamatchi et al: Effects of Swiss ball exercise and Pilates …… college cricketer
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Core muscle strength is important to avoid the risk of
injuries in cricketers (1).Stability is attained through
the co-activation of trunk muscle through Swiss ball
as an exercise tool in many studies (4).Swiss ball
exercise enhance the core stability for efficient
conditioning and rehabilitation of the athletes (5).The
Swiss ball is an extremely popular apparatus used for
core stability training in populations as varied as
spinal disorders to cricketers. The majority of the
research work done on abdominal muscle exercise
were comparing them with traditional mat exercises,
and the benefits of Swiss ball exercise appear to have
been applied to whole body exercise equally (1). The
Swiss ball is used by trainers in fitness programs and
by therapist for injury rehabilitation and prevention
(6). This is due to an understanding of spinal
stabilization and the role of that it plays in back pain
(7). Swiss ball is a type of therapeutic tool, which is
used to improve the muscle tone, balance, control,
structure and coordination of the movement
achieving a greater activation of musculature. Pilates
is a physical fitness system and alleviate problems. It
was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph
Pilates. Pilates improves flexibility and strength,
develops control and endurance in the entire body. It
works on alignment, breathing, and developing a
strong core, and improving coordination and balance.
The core consisting of the muscle of the abdomen,
low back and hip is often called the ‘power-house’
and plays a important role in maintaining the stability
(7).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This experimental study was conducted at the Faculty
of Physiotherapy (A.C.S. Medical College and
Hospital) for 30 subjects selected using convenient
sampling method. This study was conducted for
about 6 weeks. Pre and post-tests were done using
sphygmomanometer. The inclusion criterion includes
male college cricketers with core muscle weakness
between the age group of 18 to 25. The study
excluded subjects with neuromuscular condition, any
spinal injury, injuries on lower limb, musculoskeletal
injury.
Procedure
30 subjects with age group between 18 to 25 years
were selected who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The
subjects were divided into two groups, group A and
B each with 15 subjects. The methodology was
explained to subjects and informed consent was
obtained. The exercise protocol was explained and a
demo was given to the subjects. Group A subjects
will receive the Swiss ball exercise and group B will
receive Pilates exercise. The duration of this exercise
will be for 6 weeks, 30 minutes per day, 4 days per
week. Pre-test was taken by using
sphygmomanometer and goniometer. Pre-test and
post-test were evaluated by statistical tools.
Group A: dolphin plank
Place your elbows on the top of a Swiss ball in prone
position with legs extended. Keep back straight and
hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat it for 10
times.
Bridge
Lie on your back with your legs resting on a top of
the ball Tighten your abdominal muscle. Raise your
hip and buttocks off the floor into a bridge (A) hold
for 3 deep breaths this works your core muscles and
the muscles along your back side the gluteus muscle
and hamstrings as they contract to keep you in place
Return to the start position. Moreover, repeat for 10
times.
Plank
Ask the patient to lie on the swiss ball in prone
position lean forward until you touch the floor with
your hands with elbow extended and both the legs on
the top of the ball. Move your hands forward away
from the ball until the ball reach your upper thighs,
tighten your abdominal muscles. Move your hands
backward. Repeat for 10 times
Stability ball crunch
Lie on the back, with knee flexed feet on floor hip
width apart, and hands behind ears. Slowly start with
upper body upward raising shoulders off ball and
tucking chin to chest. Maintain the position for 5-10
seconds. Repeat it for 10 times.
Group B: Pilates exercise
Hundreds
Lie face up, bring knee in towards chest lift head,
neck and shoulders off mat, and stretch hands by
sides with palm facing floor. Pump arms up and
down while breathing in and out through the nose for
five counts each. Hold the position and continue for
10 beats. Repeat for 10 times.
Single leg stretches
Lie in supine position on mat with knees drawn
towards chest, shins parallel to floor in table-top
position. At the same time extend left leg straight to a
45-degree angle and drawn right knee towards chest.
Patient will maintain the upper body lift throughout
the exercise. In addition, it will support the
abdominals. Repeat for 10 times
Double leg stretches
Lie face up on mat. Raise the head, neck and
shoulders and bring knees to chest arms hugging
shins. Inhale and straighten leg to a 45-degree angle
while at the same time extending arms along ears.
Keep shoulders off the mat and maintain breathing.
Maintain the position for 5 to 10 second. And repeat
for 10 times.
Double straight leg stretches
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Lie in supine position on mat with hands supporting
back of neck and knees bend towards chest. Exhale
bringing upper torso off mat and extending legs
towards ceiling. Maintain the legs to a 45-degree
angle for 3 counts then lift again for 1 count remain
in the position to maintain this core strength torso
position throughout the exercise. Repeat the exercise
10 times.
Table 1: Comparison of double leg lowering test (DLLT) values between group A and group B in pre- and post-
test
#DLLT
#Group A
#Group B
t - Test
Df
Significance
Mean
S.D.
Mean
S.D.
Pre- Test
63.40
14.30
60.60
12.00
.581
28
.566*
Post- Test
46.80
18.78
30.60
8.31
3.05
28
.000***
#Group A: Swiss ball exercises, # Group B: Pilates exercises (*- P > 0.05) (***- P ≤ 0.001)
The above table reveals the mean, standard deviation
(S.D.), t-test, degree of freedom(df) and p-value of
the double leg lowering test between (group A) and
(group B) in pre-test and post-test weeks. The above
table reveals that there is no significant difference in
pre-test values of the double leg lowering test
between group A and group B (*P > 0.05). The above
table explains that there is statistically highly
significant difference in post-test values of the double
leg lowering test between group A and group B (***-
P ≤ 0.001).Both the groups show significant decrease
in the post test mean values but (group B) which has
the lower mean value is more effective than group A.
Table 2: Comparison of double leg lowering test (DLLT) values within group A and group B between pre and
post-test values
#test
Pre-test
Post-test
t - Test
Significance
Mean
S.D.
Mean
S.D.
Group A
63.40
14.30
46.80
18.78
7.80
.000***
Group B
60.60
12.00
30.60
8.31
16.82
.000***
#Group A: Swiss ball exercises; # Group B: Pilates exercises. (***- P ≤ 0.001)
The above table reveals the mean, standard deviation
(S.D.), t-value and p-value of the double leg lowering
test values between pre-test and post-test within
group A and group B.
Based on the double leg lowering test values, it
shows that there is a statistically highly significant
difference between the pre-test and post-test values
within group A and group B (***- P ≤ 0.001).
RESULTS
On comparing the mean values of group A and group
B on double leg lowering test ,according to table 1 it
shows significant decrease in the post-test mean
values but (group B - Pilates exercise) shows (30.60)
which has the lower mean value is more effective
than (group A: Swiss ball exercises; 46.80) at P ≤
0.001. Hence, null hypothesis is rejected. On
comparing pre-test and post-test within group A and
group B on double leg lowering test according to
table 2 shows highly significant difference in mean
values at P ≤ 0.00. Hence, group B is more effective
than group A.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of the study was to investigate the
effects of Swiss ball exercise and Pilates exercise in
core muscle strength in college cricketers for 6 weeks
with 4 sessions per week. This study revealed the
core muscle strengthening and core muscle stability.
In table 1, both the groups showed significant
difference, but group B which has lower mean value
is more effective than group A. This table shows that
statistically significant difference in post-test values
of the double leg lowering test between group A and
B (p<0.001). In table 2, based on the double leg
lowering test values, it shows that there is a
statistically highly significant difference between the
pre-test and post-test values with group A and group
B (P<0.001). According to the data analysis a
significant difference was found between the pre and
post-test values of DLLT shows highly significant
mean value at P<0.001.
Previous studies by Sai Sudha et al., concluded that
although the study showed beneficial result in both
the groups, the results reflected that Swiss ball group
better improvement of core muscle strength than the
floor exercise group (1). The result of the present
study shows that subjects in Pilates group show a
significant improvement in core muscle strength.
Raghav et al., showed that with the six weeks
protocol there was significant difference between
post treatment values of VAS score, ODI score,
DAET score and DEET score taken on 42nd day (8).
Bhem et al., showed that exercises performed on
unstable (Swiss ball) surface stressed the musculature
and activated the proprioception activity and gain the
stability (9). A study by Cosiolima et al., showed the
effects of physioball and conventional floor exercises
on early phase adaptation in back and abdominals
core stability and balance in women for 5 weeks and
the physioball group was found to give significantly
greater mean change in EMG flexion and extension
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activity and greater balance score (10). Drake et al.,
in a study on 8 subjects came with a result that the
use of an exercise ball will always create a greater
challenge for the musculoskeletal system which does
not support the present study (11). In young, healthy
population, there does not appear to be any training
advantages to perform exercises on a ball versus mat.
However, in a rehabilitation scenario, these exercises
performed on a ball could reduce low back pain
loading and hence reduced the potential for injury.
Christopher et al., showed that the effects of a Pilates
exercise program on core strength in females found
no difference between the groups (12). Gracia et al.,
studied the effect of curl up exercise on stable and
unstable surface. They found that performing curl ups
on unstable surfaces changes both the level of muscle
activity and the way that the muscle co activates
stabilize the spine and the whole body (13)Srivastav
et al., compared the core muscle activity on Swiss
ball and on mat exercise found that for the transverse
abdominis, the activation on the unstable surface was
greater as compared to the stable surface (5). As per
Kloubec et al., the Pilates method using functional
exercise improve the muscular strength and
endurance (14).
Dorado et al., have shown that the volume of
obliquus and transversus abdominis muscles
especially rectus abdominis muscles have increased
after Pilates exercise (15). Freeman et al., showed
that an 8 weeks’ Pilates based core stability program
improved balance and mobility in patients with MS
who had EDSS score (16). Johnson et al., have also
shown that dynamic balance was improved in healthy
adults after five weeks Pilates training (17). Amorim
et al., have shown that Pilates exercise provided in
addition to dance training increased upper and lower
extremity muscle strength of University dance
student (18).
CONCLUSION
The present study concluded that the Pilates exercise
is effective in strengthening the core muscle. On
comparing the pre and post mean values of double
leg lowering test of group B shows highly significant
difference when compared to group A. Hence, this
study suggests that Pilates exercise is more effective
than Swiss ball exercise.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank the authorities of Dr.
MGR Educational and Research Institute, University,
and the Principal, Faculty of Physiotherapy for
providing us with facilities required to conduct the
study.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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