Effects of core stabilization exercises on dynamic balance and foot plantar pressure in table tennis athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises on dynamic balance and plantar pressure parameters in table tennis athletes. A total of 24 competitive athletes (mean age = 11.25 ± 1.54 years), who had been licensed in table tennis for at least two years and trained at least six days a week, were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12). The exercise group underwent a core stabilization training program three times a week for eight weeks, while the control group received no intervention. All participants were assessed before and after the eight-week intervention using the Y Balance Test (YBT) and plantar pressure measurements. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, skewness and kurtosis values, paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in composite YBT scores for both the right and left legs in the exercise group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Although no significant differences were found in plantar pressure percentages or foot surface area following the intervention (p > 0.05), a significant decrease in total average plantar pressure values (TAPPV) was observed in the left foot, right foot, and right rearfoot of the exercise group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was found in pre-test TAPPV of the left rearfoot between the exercise and control groups (p < 0.05), which was no longer present in the post-test (p > 0.05). In conclusion, core stabilization exercises improve dynamic balance in table tennis athletes. Although short-term effects on plantar pressure percentages and foot surface area were not evident, the exercises may contribute to a more balanced plantar pressure distribution. Therefore, core stabilization training can be considered a beneficial approach for enhancing balance and promoting plantar pressure symmetry in table tennis players.