Athletic Performance, Core Stability, Physical Fitness, Postural Control
Conditions
Keywords
optimistic sailing, Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, Youth Athletes, Posturography, McGill Protocol
Brief summary
Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.
Detailed description
During upwind sailing ("hiking"), Optimist sailors suspend their torso over the windward gunwale, secured only by foot straps over their feet and ankles. This exertion demands sustained isometric contractions of the anterior core, rectus abdominis, quadriceps, and pelvic stabilisers. Inadequate core muscle endurance and deficient postural control compromise boat handling efficiency, accelerate central and peripheral fatigue, and elevate the risk of chronic lower back disorders in young athletes. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either: Experimental Group (CST+TST): Participating in a 12-week standardized CST program (3 sessions per week) in addition to regular Technical Sailing Training (TST). Active Control Group (TST Alone): Participating exclusively in the standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week). The CST program progresses systematically across four 2-week meso-blocks, transitioning from foundational bodyweight stability (Weeks 1-6) to advanced dynamic overload and multi-planar surface instability using small fitness tools (Weeks 7-12), such as fit balls, dumbbells, weight discs, resistance bands, Bosu balance trainers, TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, and ankle/wrist weights.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCore Strength Training (CST)
12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, \~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.
BEHAVIORALTechnical Sailing Training (TST)
Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.
Sponsors
University of Foggia
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcomes assessor is blinded to group assignment during data collection and evaluation
Intervention model description
1:1 parallel allocation ratio between CST+TST vs. TST alone
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 15 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active competitive youth Optimist class dinghy sailors aged between 8 and 15 years. * Minimum of 2 consecutive years of continuous competitive sailing experience registered with a recognized national sailing federation or licensed sailing club. * Regular participation in a minimum of 3 technical sailing sessions per week. * Valid sports medical clearance certificate authorizing participation in competitive athletic training. * Signed written informed consent provided by parent(s) or legal guardian(s), accompanied by written informed assent from the participant.
Exclusion criteria
* Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, abdominal wall, lower limbs, or upper extremities within the preceding 6 months. * Concurrent participation in structured external core or strength training programs outside the trial protocol during the preceding 3 months. * Neurological, vestibular, or uncorrected visual impairments affecting balance, posturography, or postural control. * Training adherence rate below 85% of total prescribed sessions over the 12-week interventional period.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions. |
| Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions. |
| Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography. |
| Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance. |
| Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal. |
| Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations. |
| Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements. |
| Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Muscle Endurance | Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | McGill Protocol Battery: Flexor Endurance Test, Biering-Sørensen Extensor Test, Right \& Left Side Bridge Tests measured in seconds. |
| Dynamic Balance | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12) | Y-Balance Test / Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) normalized reach distances (% leg length). |
Countries
Italy
Contacts
CONTACTAnna A. Valenzano, Prof.
Outcome results
None listed