Relationship between core stabilization and performance in handball players

This study was planned to reveal the relationship between core stabilization and performance in handball players. Forty volunteer male handball players who played handball in the 1st league for a minumum of 5 years and whose average age was 22,07±4,4 years were included in the study. After recording demographic information, total sport year, body mass index, training hours and education levels of the athletes, the core endurance and sport specific performances were evaluated. Core endurance evaluation was performed with right and left lateral bridge test, flexor endurance test and extansor endurance test; deep lumbal muscle strength evatulation was measured with "Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (Chattannoga Stabilizer) device. In order to evaluate the performances of the athletes; shuttle run test for aerobic capacity, leg and back dynamometer and vertical jump test for muscle strength and power, Star Excursion Balance Test for balance, 30 meter speed test for speed and Agility T test for agility were used. A significant correlation was found between the deep lumbar muscular strength and shuttle run test (p=0,001; r=0,843). There was no correlation between core endurance and muscle strength, balance, speed and agility (p>0,05). Aerobic capacity is a very important performance parameter for handball players. In our study, there was a relationship between deep lumbar muscular strength and aerobic capacity. For this reason, we think that aerobic capacity and deep lumbar muscular strength exercises can be combined in the planned exercise programmes in order to increase the performance in athletes.