The Effect Of Core Strength Training On Dynamic Balance And Agility In Collegiate Korfball Players

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core strength training (CST) on core endurance, dynamic balance and agility in collegiate korfball players. METHODS: Twenty-two college students (age = 20.9 ± 1.4 years; height = 179.8 ± 8.9 cm, weight = 72.4± 12.2 kg) korfball players were randomly divided into two groups as training group (TG, N=11) and control group (CG, N=11). The TG completed CST twice a week, for 8 weeks. The CG trained according to the original plan. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Illinois Agility Test, and the core endurance tests were used to evaluate all subjects. Paired sample T-test and factor analysis were used as data analysis. RESULTS: There were significant increases in core endurance tests (t=-7.5, p<0.05) and directions of SEBT (t=-3.1, p<0.05) after the experiment in the TG. However, no significant change was observed for agility (t=0.9, p>0.05). In addition, there were significant increases in core endurance tests (t=-4.7, p<0.05), no changes in the directions of SEBT (t=0.8, p>0.05) and agility (t=1.3, p>0.05) CONCLISIONS: The core strength training could improve core endurances and directions of the SEBT in collegiate korfball players, but not in agility. Consequently, if the goal of training is to enhance agility, then CST has limited. (This study was supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities at SWU Grant 1309232)