The Effect of Core Exercises on Physical Performance and Motor Skills in Female Gymnasts Aged 10-12 Years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70736/spjses.340Keywords:
Core exercises, gymnastics, motor skills, physical performanceAbstract
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of an 8-week core exercise program on physical performance and motor skills in female gymnasts aged 10-12 years. The study used a controlled experimental design based on pre-test and post-test measurements. The study included 15 healthy female children (experimental group, n=8; control group, n=7). Over an 8-week period, the experimental group performed a core training program consisting of static and dynamic exercises two days a week, in addition to their routine gymnastics training, while the control group continued only with their routine training. A sensitivity analysis conducted using G*Power confirmed the adequacy of the sample size. Performance metrics were evaluated using the sit-and-reach test, 20-meter sprint, vertical jump, right/left handgrip strength, and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test. Comparison of the pre- and post-test difference scores between the groups revealed statistically significant improvements in favor of the experimental group in flexibility, 20-meter sprint, and lefthand grip strength parameters (p<0.05). Cohen’s d effect size values indicated a large magnitude of effect for these improvements. Conversely, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in vertical jump, right handgrip strength, and dynamic balance scores (p>0.05). Short-term core training is an effective method that provides practical benefits in flexibility, sprint mechanics, and indirect strength outputs in child athletes by enhancing proximal stability and optimizing lumbopelvic control. The absence of significant improvements in specific traits such as vertical jump and dynamic balance suggests that these abilities require supplementary plyometric and sport-specific proprioceptive training. It is recommended that practitioners incorporate comprehensive core exercises into routine training programs; furthermore, future studies should be designed with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods.
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