Investigation of the relationship between core stabilization, balance, and agility parameters in crossfit athletes

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between core stabilization, balance, and agility parameters in CrossFit athletes. In addition, the second aim of the study is to examine the variation of this relationship according to gender. For this purpose, 46 CrossFit athletes (F/M 22/24) between the ages of 18-57 who met the inclusion criteria of the study voluntarily participated. After the warm-up period, McGill Core Endurance Tests to assess core stabilization, Y Balance Test for Balance assessment, T Agility Test for Agility assessment, and Body Composition Analysis to assess body fat and muscle percentages were applied to the athletes, respectively. A 5-minute rest period was given between all tests. Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 program was used for statistical analysis of the data. As a result, a negative correlation was observed between the right-side core endurance and agility levels of CrossFit athletes (r=-,620, p<0,01). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the left side core endurance and agility levels of CrossFit athletes (r=-,655, p<0,01). A positive correlation was observed between the right leg balance and core stabilization parameters of the athletes (r=,354, p<0.05). There was found a positive and moderately significant relationship between left leg balance and time to completion (flexor) (r=,401, p<0,01). There was found a positive and weakly significant relationship between left leg balance and flexion: extension ratio (r=,323,p<0,05). As a conclusion, core stabilization and agility parameters in CrossFit athletes affect by backward to each other. Accordingly, it means that athletes with better side core endurance finish the t-test faster and has better agility. Keywords: CrossFit, Y balance, T-agility Test, Core Stabilization