NCT07077993

"Muscle Strength, Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Adolescent Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Study"

The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Youth Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 68 (actual)
• Sponsor: Eastern Mediterranean University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 16 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the relationship between lower extremity isokinetic strength, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 14-17. A total of 68 athletes (31 males, 37 females) will be assessed through standardized protocols involving isokinetic testing, the Y Balance Test, and McGill Core Endurance Tests. The study aims to contribute to performance monitoring and injury prevention strategies in rowing sports.

Detailed description

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationships between lower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance, and core endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 14-17. A total of 68 rowers (32 females, 36 males) licensed by the Turkish Rowing Federation were included. All participants had a minimum of two years of rowing experience and trained at least four days per week. Lower extremity muscle strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Core endurance was evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test Battery, including trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral plank tests. Dynamic balance was assessed via the Y Balance Test and normalized to leg length. The study also examined potential sex-based differences in neuromuscular performance and investigated inter-variable correlations among muscle strength, balance, and core endurance. In addition, asymmetry in dynamic balance performance was analyzed as a risk factor for performance and injury. This study is expected to provide practical insights for sports physiotherapists and coaches working with adolescent rowers, particularly in optimizing performance and designing sex-specific injury prevention strategies.

Conditions

• Neuromuscular Function
• Postural Balance
• Core Stability
• Muscle Strength

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-07-20
• Completion: 2025-07-31
• First posted: 2025-07-22
• Last updated: 2025-09-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Cyprus