Effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and endurance in adolescent taekwondo players

The purpose of the study is to search the effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and endurance in adolescent taekwondo players. The study included 30 taekwondo players (30M; 13,07±2,20 years) who applied to İbrahim Öztüfek Sport Club, Istanbul. The dynamic balance parameters of participants was determined using Y-Balance Test and Dynamic Balance Test.Stork Balance Test was used to determine static balance of participants. McGill's Core Endurance Test was used for the endurance parameters of participants. The 30 participants were divided into two groups as Core Stabilization Group (CSG)( n=15) and Control Group (CG)( n=15). Participants of both groups practices their taekwondo training. In addition to taekwondo training, the CSG started the core stabilization exercise program. The CSG applied the core stabilization exercise program 3 times a week for 30 minutes and for 6 weeks. After 6-week exercise programs, both groups were evaluated by repeating the tests. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS 22.0 version. The tests used for the difference between the before and after measurements taken by participants in two groups, Paired Sample T-Test for parametric variables and Wilcoxon Test for non-parametric variables. Each of the differences (delta) between these two groups (CSG and CG) was determined Independent Samples T-Test for parametric variables and Mann Whitney-U Test for non-parametric variables. The level of signifiance was accepted p<0.05. The main outcomes of our study comparing two groups, CSG showed greater improvement in the parameters of Stork Balance Test and McGill's Core Endurance Test (p<0.05). The CSG also improved in some of the parameters of Y-Balance Test and Dynamic Balance Test. Differences were seen in the other test results except for the dynamic test parameters. Consistent with hypothesis, core stabilization exercises program combined with taekwondo training was more effective to improve static balance and endurance findings of taekwondo players. Key words : Dynamic balance, static balance, endurance, core stabilization, taekwondo players.