Table 1. Participants’ core muscle cross-sectional area and function

Variable Male (n=24) Female (n=26)
Core muscle CSA
 Rectus abdominis (cm2) 13.7±2.4 7.7±1.5
 Lateral abdominal wall (cm2) 55.6±8.6 30.2±4.2
 Erector spinae (cm2) 40.6±7.5 22.5±3.7
 Multifidus (cm2) 11.4±2.4 7.3±1.8
Core test scores
 Trunk flexor endurance test (s) 97.0±49.0 81.8±60.5
 Side bridge endurance test (s) 134.8±50.3 87.9±45.5
 Plank endurance test (s) 74.0±21.3 46.3±26.1
 Double legs loading test (°) 36.6±29.3 18.9±16.5
 Trunk flexor strength test (kgf) 29.9±10.2 13.1±4.2
 Side bridge strength test (kgf) 56.7±17.4 25.1±6.3
CSA, cross-sectional area.