Effect of core strength training on balance, vertical jump height and throwing velocity in adolescent male handball players.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of core strength training (CST) on dynamic balance and vertical jump height, and throwing velocity in handball players.

METHODS

Twenty male handball players (mean age 14.90±0.44 years) participated in this study. The players randomly divided into two groups as CST and control (CON) groups. Dynamic balance, vertical jump, and throwing velocity were measured before and after a six-week CST.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found at anterior (P=0.009) and posteromedial (P=0.017) directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in only CST group. There were significant improvement in vertical jump height of participants compared to pre-test scores in both CST (P=0.047) and CON group (P=0.013). No significant difference was found for throwing velocity compared with pre-test in both groups. There were no significant differences in all parameters when CST and CON groups were compared (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicated that a 6-week CST did not improve dynamic balance, vertical jump height and throwing velocity in adolescent male handball players. We believe that longer CST programs may provide significant benefits.