Richard Ferraro, PT, Ph.D.

This current line of inquiry aims to provide a better understanding of the interaction between key core muscles and their relationship with pelvic and hip control specifically as they relate to balance and function. Results can then be applied to high fall risk populations, various hip pathologies (THA, labral tears, OA) and across age groups. Despite growing evidence that core training improves functional mobility and balance, most studies failed to elaborate on whether these results were due to improved neuromuscular activation or actual core muscle strength gains and hypertrophy. In addition, there is a paucity of data identifying the relationship of core activation and the effect it has on surrounding muscles that are intrinsically related to function of the lower extremity. This is an important distinction that has a myriad of clinical implications when training this group of muscles.

Current Projects: Currently in post data collection/data analysis and synthesis stage for pilot study titled: The effectiveness of transverse abdominis training on balance, postural sway and core muscle recruitment patterns: a comparison across age groups. This study is investigating the effectiveness of training the transverse abdominis in controlling balance and postural sway in three different age groups. Further, we hope to identify the pattern of muscle activation in hip, pelvic and other trunk muscles during neural activation of the transverse abdominis.

Current Projects: Long term effects of a single session transverse abdominis training on balance and postural sway: A Pilot Study. As an extension of the above project, seven participants (in three different age groups) were asked to return at 2 and 4 week intervals after initial training of training abdominis to determine possible long term effects and carryover of a one-time training session. Follow up session included measuring transverse abdominis thickness via ultrasound, postural sway and a dynamic balance test. This pilot has been accepted as a poster presentation at June 2018 NEXT conference in Orlando, Florida.