Core Stability, Muscle Strength, Neuromuscular Function, Postural Balance
Conditions
Keywords
Rowing Performance, Core Endurance, Dynamic Balance
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the relationship between lower extremity isokinetic strength, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 16-18. A total of 68 athletes (32 males, 36 females) will be assessed through standardized protocols involving isokinetic testing, the Y Balance Test, and McGill Core Endurance Tests. The study aims to contribute to performance monitoring and injury prevention strategies in rowing sports.
Detailed description
This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationships between lower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance, and core endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 16-18. A total of 68 rowers (32 females, 36 males) licensed by the Turkish Rowing Federation were included. All participants had a minimum of two years of rowing experience and trained at least four days per week. Lower extremity muscle strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Core endurance was evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test Battery, including trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral plank tests. Dynamic balance was assessed via the Y Balance Test and normalized to leg length. The study also examined potential sex-based differences in neuromuscular performance and investigated inter-variable correlations among muscle strength, balance, and core endurance. In addition, asymmetry in dynamic balance performance was analyzed as a risk factor for performance and injury. This study is expected to provide practical insights for sports physiotherapists and coaches working with adolescent rowers, particularly in optimizing performance and designing sex-specific injury prevention strategies.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Eastern Mediterranean University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Elite adolescent rowers aged 16 to 18 years Licensed athletes training at least 5 days per week Registered with a national-level rowing team or rowing education program Minimum 2 years of regular rowing experience No current musculoskeletal or neurological injury Voluntary participation with informed consent (parental consent required for minors)
Exclusion criteria
History of lower extremity or spinal surgery Current injury or condition affecting strength, balance, or posture Diagnosed neurological disorder or vestibular dysfunction Acute illness, severe fatigue, or muscle soreness on the day of testing Active menstruation phase in female participants on the day of testing Lack of cooperation or unwillingness to follow instructions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Composite Y Balance Test Score (%) | Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit) | Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y Balance Test. Reach distances in three directions will be normalized to limb length, and a composite balance score will be calculated. The outcome will be used to compare balance performance across sex groups. |
| Isokinetic Quadriceps Peak Torque at 60°/s (Nm) | Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit) | Peak torque of the dominant quadriceps muscle will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. The outcome will be recorded in Newton-meters (Nm) and used to analyze muscle strength differences between groups. |
| Core Extensor Endurance Time (seconds) | Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit) | Trunk extensor endurance will be evaluated using the McGill Trunk Extensor Endurance Test. Participants will maintain a horizontal prone posture over the edge of a bench with the pelvis stabilized. The maximum time (in seconds) that the position can be held with proper form will be recorded as the endurance score. |
Countries
Cyprus
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORburcin ugur tosun, PHD
Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olympic Preparation Center, Adana, Türkiye
STUDY_CHAIRgulhan yilmaz gokmen, Assoc. Prof
Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, Türkiye
Outcome results
None listed