The effect of a 4-week core strengthening program on determinants of wrestling performance in junior Greco-Roman wrestlers: A randomized controlled trial

Effects of Periodization Core Training on Physical Fitness in College Table Tennis Players

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the effects of 12-week periodized core training on the physical fitness of college table tennis players.

METHODS

A randomized controlled experimental design was employed, and 18 college table tennis players (male = 11, female = 7) were randomly assigned to the core training group (CT, n = 9) and the control group (CON, n = 9). The core training group performed periodized core training for 12 weeks. All variables were assessed at three time points: pre-test, mid-test (after 9 weeks), and post-test.

RESULTS

Significant interactions were found between time and group for muscle endurance, balance, and agility, as demonstrated in Left Side Bridge (p < 0.05), Right Side Bridge (p < 0.001), Plank (p < 0.01), and Edgren Side Step (p < 0.001). However, no significant interactions were observed for speed, muscle strength, or power.

CONCLUSION

Periodized core training has a positive effect on the muscle endurance, agility, and balance of college table tennis players. The improvement in agility may be attributed to the integration of sport-specific periodized training. Further research is required to examine its effects on speed and anaerobic capacity. Periodized core training appears to have limited effects on strength and power, suggesting it can be used as a supplementary element within a comprehensive training program to enhance physical fitness and performance among college table tennis players.

The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite widespread implementation of core training in athletic preparation, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different sports and performance domains remains fragmented. This meta-analysis examined the effects of core training on athletic performance across multiple sports, addressing limitations of previous analyses that focused on single sports or limited performance measures.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar). We assessed methodological quality using the PEDro scale and risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials published between 2014-2024 involving healthy athletes aged 15-25 years, with core training as the primary intervention.

RESULTS

From an initial 1,670 records identified, 29 studies met rigorous inclusion criteria, comprising 956 athletes aged 15-23 years. Core training demonstrated significant improvements in general athletic performance (SMD = 1.38, 95% CI [0.85, 1.82], p < 0.001), with notably strong effects on core endurance (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI [0.57, 2.08], p < 0.004) and balance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.29, 1.69], p = 0.01). Core training revealed a moderate but insignificant effects on sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [-0.08, 1.31], p = 0.084). The analysis revealed non-significant effects sport-specific outcomes: speed (SMD = -0.28 [-0.86, 0.31], p = 0.28); maximal strength (SMD = 7.57 [-7.75, 22.89], p = 0.27); flexibility (SMD = 0.48 [-0.76, 1.73], p = 0.3); change of direction (SMD = 0.10 [-0.56, 0.76], p = 0.69); technical skill performance (SMD = 0.71 [-4.38, 5.81], p = 0.75); throwing velocity/distance (SMD = 1.52 [-0.43, 3.48], p = 0.1) and vertical jump height (SMD = 0.90 [-0.23, 2.03], p = 0.1). The high heterogeneity across outcomes (I2 = 37-100%) indicates that training responses vary substantially depending on competitive level, intervention duration, and sport-specific contexts, suggesting the need for carefully tailored core training approaches.

CONCLUSION

This analysis demonstrates that core training effectively improves foundational athletic qualities but shows variable effects on sport-specific performance measures. The findings suggest core training should be integrated with sport-specific training for optimal performance enhancement. Future research should address the high heterogeneity observed by implementing standardized protocols and examining long-term training effects.

Bajiquan martial arts training as physical activity for enhancing physical fitness, body composition, and perceived exercise benefits: a quasi-experimental study

Background

Martial arts are a traditional aspect of Chinese culture, and with the diverse development of recreational activities, they have gained widespread acceptance not only for self-defense but also as a popular recreational activity. Physical activity and fitness characteristics associated with different martial arts vary depending on developmental backgrounds. Bajiquan is a traditional Chinese martial art known for its explosive power in close combat, emphasizing quick elbow and shoulder strikes over a short range. However, research on the application of Bajiquan to physical activity, health promotion, and its perceived benefits remains relatively limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a programmed 8-week Bajiquan training intervention on physical fitness, body composition, and perceived benefits of exercise.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study enrolled participants and allocated them to the experimental (n = 15; 27.4 ± 2.6 years; female = 13.3%) and control groups (n = 15; 26.0 ± 3.1 years; female = 13.3%). The experimental group participated in an 8-week Bajiquan program, whereas the control group engaged in regular exercise with the same intervention frequency. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess the effects on physical fitness and body composition. Additionally, participants' subjective perceptions of the benefits of martial arts exercise were evaluated using an exercise perceived benefit questionnaire.

Results

The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher social relationships (Δ = 17.2%; δ = 0.586, p < 0.05) and personal benefits (Δ = 19.8%; δ = 0.431, p < 0.05) than the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in pre- and post-test measurements within the experimental group were significantly different from those in the control group in terms of body weight (p = 0.008, d = 1.05), body mass index (p = 0.003, d = 1.17), and body fat percentage (p = 0.004, d = 1.13). The experimental group exhibited significant differences in changes in muscle explosive power (p = 0.003, d = 1.27), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004, d = 1.14), and core muscle strength (p = 0.009, d = 1.10) compared with the control group. Core muscle strength also significantly increased in the experimental group compared to that in the control group in the post-test (Δ = 17.0%; p = 0.003, d = 1.21).

Conclusions

The Bajiquan martial arts exercise intervention demonstrated beneficial effects on physical and mental development, making it a viable option for physical activity programs. In the future, program adjustments and applications can be tailored for different populations, such as children or the elderly, to promote health and disseminate the practice of martial arts.

Effects of Core Training on Sport-Specific Performance of Athletes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Improving athletes' performance is a major topic of interest in studies on competitive sports. Core training has been used as a training method in daily life and rehabilitation, and recently, in competitive sports, with positive results. Previous experimental studies showed that core training can improve the fitness level of athletes (e.g., balance, core stability, etc.), but offer no consistent conclusions on whether it can improve sport-specific performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core training on the sport-specific performance of athletes through a meta-analysis. Relevant studies on randomized controlled trials were selected, and we calculated the effect size using standardized mean difference values and the random effects model. Results showed that core training had almost no effect on athletes' power and speed, while agility showed a medium effect size but no statistical significance. On the other hand, there was a large effect on general athletic performance, such as core endurance and balance. Consequently, core training had a great effect on the core endurance and balance of athletes, but little effect on sport-specific performance. This result implies that more elaborate core training programs should be designed to improve the sport-specific performance of athletes.

MUSCLE STRENGTH TRAINING IN THE ABDOMINAL CORE IN ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gymnastics requires high-level body coordination and control. The key to success for gymnasts is to control and adjust the center of gravity through the abdominal core muscles. Abdominal core resistance training is mainly aimed at fulfilling this purpose. Objective: Analyze the results of abdominal core resistance training on the fitness of gymnasts. Methods: 20 volunteer gymnasts were selected by random sampling. The experimental participants were tested for functional exercise capacity. The study focused on the athletes' weaknesses during exercise. After completing the abdominal core resistance training, the fitness test was performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: The peaks of the flexor and dorsal muscles were significantly enhanced (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups before and after training of body flexors and extensors (P>0.05). Conclusion: Abdominal core resistance training plays a positive role in improving the fitness of gymnasts. Coaches can actively introduce abdominal core resistance training into their regular exercises to improve athletes' fitness. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

CORE STRENGTH TRAINING ON PHYSICAL CONDITIONING OF COLLEGE MALE SOCCER PLAYERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The concept of CORE emerged in mechanical-neurological studies of rehabilitation in the 80s, referring to the central muscles of the human trunk, including the lumbar-pelvis-abdominal-perineal-hip complex responsible for the body orthostatic stability and support. Strengthening the CORE has received increasing attention from sports medicine specialists after the 2000s, and strength training is the subject of recent research in competitive sports. However, there is still a lack of conceptual studies of protocols for training focused on soccer athletes. Objective: Verify a CORE strength training protocol based on the analysis of the CORE training concept, its main functions, and introductory practical examples. Methods: Literature data collection, experimental and statistical-mathematical methods, and theoretical analysis about CORE training focused on explosive strength performance in soccer players are used. The developed protocol experiments with 44 athletes, divided into experimental and control groups, by sex. Information is collected on goal shooting, 30-meter pass, balance, stability, and symmetry. Results: The group experienced better results in both sexes(P<0.05). Conclusion: The explosion strength indicators of the players were significantly improved. Whether male or female athletes, the higher the skill level, the stronger the CORE stability in players. Therefore, the CORE stability and strengthening in athletes promote a benefit in the technical level of soccer players. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Research on the Protection of Extensor and Flexor Muscles in the Waist and Back of Competitive Athletes

In the past, in the study of special sports quality of heavy antagonistic sports events, the study of strength quality training was emphasized. The transformation of athletes' strength quality to special strength was highlighted, and the special exercises which tended to be consistent with the characteristics of wrestling events were added. However, in competition and training, athletes' spine bears a heavy load. Long-term static contraction of lumbar muscles can lead to excessive local load and injury of lumbar muscles. In this paper, the test results of athletes' joints are analyzed, and the waist protection scheme for athletes' strength training is obtained. First of all, solve the problem of athletes' action mode and improve athletes' muscle endurance. All special sports quality evaluation can reach a good level. Then, enhance athletes' explosive power. Thus, all special sports quality evaluations can reach an excellent level. It is concluded that the waist and back are the key parts to support their participation in various sports, maintain body balance, and realize power transmission. Through the study, it is found that there are significant differences in the muscle strength indexes of the maximum strength of the waist and back of athletes of different levels, which fully proves the characteristics of the maximum strength of the waist and back. Through the test, we can understand the flexion and extension strength, range, speed, force, and flexion and extension ratio of athletes' joints and take timely optimization measures according to the test results to avoid sports injuries in training. It has a key guiding significance for the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of athletes' joint muscle strength, as well as rehabilitation training after injury and prevention of reinjury.

Postactivation potentiation effect of two lower body resistance exercises on repeated jump performance measures

This study examined the postactivation potentiation effects of combining squat and deadlift exercises on subsequent repeated jump performance. Fifteen, resistance-trained youth wrestlers were randomly allocated to either undertake back squats (BSq), deadlift (DL) or BSq and DL as supersets (BSq+DL), with a repeated jump protocol performed 8-minutes post-exercise in each session. Thereafter, a control condition (CON) was completed involving a general warm-up, followed by the repeated jump protocols. Power outputs, flight time, contact time and reactive strength index were recorded from each repeated jump protocol. Measures were compared between the BSq, DL and BSq+DL sessions and between sessions that generated the best power output (BEST) with CON via inferential statistics and effect size (ES) calculations. The BSq condition exhibited significantly greater power output compared to the CON condition (p<0.05, ES = 1.07), although no differences were identified for the other conditioning activities. Furthermore, power output, flight time and reactive strength index were significantly greater for the BEST compared to the CON condition (p<0.05, ES = 0.97–1.47). Results indicated that BSq was the optimal conditioning activity to increase power output during a repeated jump protocol. However, greater improvement during the BEST condition suggests that the type of conditioning activity should also be considered on an individual-basis.