Core, Schmore

Thirty years ago a series of research studies using electromyographical technology concluded that the muscles of the abdomen were significantly weaker than those that extend the spine, and suggested that this imbalance was one reason for the predominance of low-back pain among the general population. Their good-news solution: Strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall. The bad news: The advice became more than an opinion.

The problem with the studies' conclusions lay in the assumption that the electrical activity detected in muscles indicated their strength and involvement during activity. It was an opinion. Arthur Jones had another.

The Nautilus/MedX inventor spent 14 years building a machine that isolated muscle function (lumbar extension), $88 million in the process and tested approximately 10,000 people before concluding, "99.99% of the population is walking around in a state of chronic disuse atrophy. They have never used those muscles (refering to low-back extensors)." According to Arthur, weakness in the muscles that extend the lumbar spine was the major reason for the high incidence of back problems. A decade of formal research with his device at the University of Florida confirmed his suspicion.

Coupled with his premise that low-back strength in most people was "Pitiful" (with a capital P), Jones believed that strength in the abdominal muscles had "nothing to do with back pain." His opinion went against the grain.

The other day an orthopedic surgeon stopped by our facility. His host asked if I could tell him a little about the MedX Lumbar Extension machine (we have the 'gym' version). As I began, I was reminded of the resistance Jones must have met in his attempt to market the then 'new' tool. Protest was fast and furious.

• "The only way to meaningfully access the muscles that extend the spine" was met by, "Well, at my clinic we do extensions on a Roman chair and . . . "

• Official MedX research demonstrated that traditional extension exercise strengthened hip muscles and hip muscles only (mainly hamstrings and glutes). His reply: "Of course, strength was measured on the same tool that produced the results - a no-no in research." (It can't be measured with a broomstick, bathroom scale or any other tool)


• "The need for total isolated function (no pelvic rotation during extension movement)" was challenged by "The spine is never isolated during any activity. Exercise for the same has to be functional, integrated." (If you're not concerned about strengthening the spine). His reluctance resembed the ignorance displayed by doctors who, for decades, believed that muscle testing had to be be 'dynamic,' not static. After all, when in life or sports is there ever a 'static' situation? Jones demonstrated in his daily seminars that 'dynamic' testing was inaccurate, dangerous and useless. It took him about three minutes; the industry a little longer. Slowly, they swept 'dynamic' testing under the table.

Ignorance is no excuse. The literature is out there, has been for 25 years. I've read it, and so have others - orthopedic surgeons who believe in the MedX Lumbar extension machine, its theory, practical application and results - Dr. Vert Mooney, Brian Nelson, M.D., Dr. Michael Fulton. Heavyweights, all.

Arthur Jones came to one major conclusion after lecturing to medical practitioners seven days a week for several years, "Doctors know nothing about exercise." Too many have listened to sources who should know, but don't - trainers, coaches, therapists - many of whom 'learned' from a few idiots who parade around the country exposing the virtues of core/functional training and other ideas that have little or no base in fact.

"The abdomen takes care of itself," announced Jones to nearly every doctor he met. It turned them off in the same way that my statements of fact concerning the MedX machine were a threat to the beliefs of the visiting orthopod. Some punk trainer wasn't going to tell him how to run his business. Just threw in my opinion - an opinion I can support all day and night.

Jones was confrontational, loved the battle; I don't. I like to see them squirm, but don't enjoy the process. The purpose - to make people think, make them re-evaluate their beliefs. Arthur was a master at it, though a little rough at the edges.

Today's focus on "core" exercise would surely make him roll in his grave. His ideas, as he suspected, have been conveniently "flushed down the toilet of history." The medical community has a weighty hand on the crank.

Open your ears and mind. Read the facts, decide and beware: "An open mind is not the same as an empty head." (Jones)