Effects of core exercises on sportive performance in preadolescent tennis players

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of core exercise program on sportive performance in pre-adolescent tennis players. A total of 49 volunteer players between the ages of 9-13, whose sports age was at least two years in tennis, were included in the study. Randomly dividing, 27 participants were allocated to the experimental (core exercise + tennis technical training) and 22 to the control group (only tennis technical training). Using an experimental method with a pre-test post-test design, body mass index, static-dynamic balance, and upper-lower extremity test values of the participants were measured before and after the 8-week training program. Using SPSS (Ver.22) package program, the independent t-test was utilized to make comparisons (p <0.05). According to the results, a significant difference was found between the pre and post-test scores of the body mass index in the experimental group. Findings related to the upper extremity showed positive significant differences between the performance values of all tests (Flamingo and Y balance, Handgrip dynamometer test, Medicine ball throw, 1-minute push-up, and Davies tests), both within the experimental group (between their pre and post-tests) and in comparison with the control group (between two groups' post-tests). Findings regarding lower extremity tests (10m sprint, Standing long jump, 1-minute shuttle, Shark skill, Flexibility, and T-tests) showed that there were significant improvements in favor of the experimental group. As a result, we can say that the core training program can improve the sportive performances of pre-adolescent tennis players. Therefore, we recommend including these exercises in tennis training routines.