The effect of core exercises with additional weights on posture structures and some performance values of young basketball players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of core exercises with additional weights on posture and some performance values of young basketball players. The research group consisted of a total of 14 male basketball players aged between 16-18 years who were in the youth leagues and licensed in Elazığ Gençlik Spor basketball team. Randomly, 7 male athletes were divided into two groups as the experimental group who performed core exercise using additional weight and 7 male athletes were divided into two groups as the control group who performed core exercise without using additional weight. In the study, the experimental group performed specially designed core exercises using additional weight 3 days a week for 8 weeks in the preparation period, while the control group performed the same exercise programme without using additional weight 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Height, weight, vertical jump, horizontal jump, leg strength, back strength, sit-to-stand flexibility, flamingo balance test and posture measurements were performed before and after the 8-week exercise programme. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software and interpreted according to p<0.05 and p<0.01 significance levels. When the results were analysed, a statistical difference was found between the body weight and some performance values (vertical jump, horizontal jump, back strength, flexibility and balance) of the young basketball players in the experimental group (p<0,05 p<0,01). However, no statistically significant change was observed in posture structures (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that core exercises with additional weights improved atropometric characteristics and performance values of young basketball players.