Effect of balance and core exercises on lower extremity performance in ballet students; randomized, controlled, single-blind study

The aim of this study is to examine and evaluate the effects of balance and core exercises on lower extremity performance in ballet students. The study included 44 students from the conservatory's ballet department. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: core exercise group (n=15), core+balance exercise group (n=15), and control group (n=13). The core group received core exercise training 3 days per week for 8 weeks, while the core+balance group received both core and balance exercises for the same duration. The control group did not receive any intervention. Assessments were conducted before and after the training. For balance assessment, the Y Balance Test was used. For core strength, the extensor endurance test, side plank endurance test, and core muscle strength and stability tests were applied. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured using a digital device (JTech PowerTrack II Commander Muscle Dynamometer MMT). According to the Y Balance Test results, intra-group comparisons showed a statistically significant difference in dominant extremity anterior reach and composite reach distances in the core+balance exercise group after training (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the core and control groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of dominant extremity reach distances (p>0.05). The extensor endurance test results showed no significant changes within the core+balance, core, or control groups after training (p>0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups either (p>0.05). According to the side plank test results, intra-group comparisons showed a statistically significant improvement in right and left endurance values in both the core+balance and core groups (p<0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group (p>0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of side plank test values (p>0.05). The core muscle strength and stability test results showed a significant increase in both strength and stability values in the core+balance and core groups (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in terms of strength and stability values (p>0.05). In the evaluation of lower extremity muscle strength, intra-group comparisons showed a statistically significant increase in specific muscle groups in the core+balance and core groups (p<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the control group (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding lower extremity muscle strength (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that core+balance exercises positively improve lower extremity performance, particularly balance and muscle strength. Keywords: Lower Extremity Performance; Ballet; Balance; Core Exercises