Is There a Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Core Endurance?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between core endurance and physical activity level in healthy young adults. Methods: This study was conducted with 310 university students [male=154 (49.7%) and female=156 (50.3%)] aged between 17 and 28 who attended Dokuz Eylul University. A sociodemographic data form was filled by all participants. Physical activity levels of the students were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Core endurance was measured using anterior and right/left plank tests.Results: The average anterior plank test period of the participants was 77.0±43.8 sec. and the average lateral plank test period was 43.9±28.0 sec. We found that 14.8% (n=46) of the participants were inactive, 48.1% (n=149) were minimally active, and 37.1% (n=115) were very active, according to the IPAQ. According to the IPAQ data, vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, and walking variables in male participants were significantly higher than female participants (p<0.05). Plank test periods (anterior and lateral) of participant which have vigorous and moderate physical activity was significantly higher (p<0.05).Conclusion: There was no statistically significant relationship between core endurance and physical activity level. According to this study, physical activity is not influenced by core endurance. Particularly, in order to protect or increase the endurance of the core muscles, which have an important role in the prevention of mechanical lumbar problems, it was thought that only physical exercises would not be sufficient and it should be performed special exercises for these muscles.