Effects of core strengthening on balance in university judo athletes

Abstract

BackgroundCore strengthening prepares the body in an integral, safe and efficient way, favoring balance and postural control; physical abilities constantly demanded in sports, especially in body contact modalities, such as Judo. Objective: This study investigated the effects of core strengthening on balance in university judo athletes. MethodsEighteen athletes from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL) were randomly allocated into two groups: experimental (n = 9) and control (n = 9). Experimental group athletes were submitted to a core strengthening protocol (30-min sessions, twice a week for 5 consecutive weeks). Evaluations consisted of Stabilometic (center of pressure behavior parameters: total area in mm2, laterolateral and anteroposterior width in mm) and baropodometric analysis [peak pressure: obtained during a 30-s acquisition period and expressed by foot area, i.e., (a) forefoot (metatarsal heads and toes); and (b) hindfoot (calcaneus region, distal third of the foot)]. Right/left foot ratios were calculated as relative percentages and used for the analysis. The analyzes were performed at baseline and after 5 weeks of core strengthening. The athletes were evaluated in two situations: eyes-open and eyes-closed. ResultsTotal right/left foot ratio pressure, right/left fore and hindfoot ratio pressure, as well as anteroposterior width measurements were statistically smaller in the experimental group. ConclusionAlthough the results obtained showed that core strengthening presents certain benefits, these data alone are not enough to confirm its effects upon postural oscillation in university judo athletes.