ORIGINAL ARTICLE  EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS 

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2020 May;60(5):693-9

DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10382-7

Copyright © 2020 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Effect of core strength training on balance, vertical jump height and throwing velocity in adolescent male handball players

Tarik OZMEN ¹ ✉, Mert AYDOGMUS ², Metehan YANA ¹, Ayse SIMSEK ¹

¹ Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey; ² Hasan Dogan School of Physical Education and Health, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of core strength training (CST) on dynamic balance and vertical jump height, and throwing velocity in handball players.
METHODS: Twenty male handball players (mean age 14.90±0.44 years) participated in this study. The players randomly divided into two groups as CST and control (CON) groups. Dynamic balance, vertical jump, and throwing velocity were measured before and after a six-week CST.
RESULTS: Significant differences were found at anterior (P=0.009) and posteromedial (P=0.017) directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in only CST group. There were significant improvement in vertical jump height of participants compared to pre-test scores in both CST (P=0.047) and CON group (P=0.013). No significant difference was found for throwing velocity compared with pre-test in both groups. There were no significant differences in all parameters when CST and CON groups were compared (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that a 6-week CST did not improve dynamic balance, vertical jump height and throwing velocity in adolescent male handball players. We believe that longer CST programs may provide significant benefits.

KEY WORDS: Postural balance; Torso; Muscles; Athletic performance