When core training meets play: Comparing trunk muscle activation and motivation across conventional exercises and games-based approaches

BACKGROUND: Conventional core exercises (e.g., crunches, bridges, etc.) are effective for training the trunk musculature. However, adherence may be lower than in traditional games that substantially involve the trunk musculature, particularly in educational settings such as Physical Education classes. This article presents two independent but complementary studies comparing conventional core exercises and core-challenging motor games, examining their physiological efficacy (trunk muscle activation) and psychological impact (enjoyment, boredom, and intention for future practice). METHODS: Study 1 measured trunk muscle activation in 20 young adults during two core exercises ("Crunches", "Side Bridges") and four motor games ("Wheelbarrow Race", "Hula Hooping", "Roly-Poly Man", "Knee Chicken Fight"). Study 2 was a 6-week intervention with 76 adolescents allocated to three groups: Control, Conventional Exercises, and Traditional Motor Games, with the latter two performing the same exercises described previously. Perceptions of enjoyment, boredom (using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale), and intention for future practice were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Study 1 showed that Motor Games produced trunk muscle activation levels similar to, or significantly higher than, conventional core exercises, particularly for the oblique muscles. Study 2 demonstrated that the Traditional Motor Games group reported lower boredom and higher intention for future practice. CONCLUSION: Traditional motor games are a physiologically effective and psychologically engaging complement and/or alternative to conventional core exercises. Their ability to elicit comparable or superior trunk muscle activation while reducing boredom and fostering intention for future practice highlights their significant potential for enriching and promoting long-term adherence to trunk conditioning programs.