Pilot Study on Core Stabilization Training on Stable vs Unstable Surfaces in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts

NCT ID: NCT06966648

Last Updated: 2025-07-17

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 16 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-05-05
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-15

Brief Summary

This pilot randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program performed on stable versus unstable surfaces in young competitive rhythmic gymnasts. Sixteen athletes will be randomized into two groups and will be assessed for changes in static balance and pivot performance.

Detailed Description

Rhythmic gymnastics requires high-level neuromuscular control, especially for skills involving balance and rotation. Core stabilization exercises are commonly included in training, but limited evidence exists regarding the impact of surface type on training effectiveness. This pilot study will compare the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program conducted on stable versus unstable surfaces on balance and pivot execution in rhythmic gymnasts aged 7-12. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups and will be assessed pre- and post-intervention on selected balance and pivot tasks in accordance with Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) standards. The study aims to inform future trials by estimating effect sizes and assessing the feasibility of the protocol.

Conditions

Postural Balance; Motor Skills; Physical Fitness; Athletic Performance

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Stable Surface Group

Participants will perform a core stabilization program on stable surfaces (e.g., floor, foam blocks). Exercises target trunk control and balanc

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Core stabilization on stable surfaces

Intervention Type: OTHER

Participants will perform a structured core stabilization training program on stable surfaces, such as the floor and rigid foam blocks. The program includes functional exercises targeting trunk control, postural alignment, and balance, delivered three times per week over a 7-week period.

Unstable Surface Group

Participants will perform the same core stabilization program on unstable surfaces (e.g., BOSU, wobble board).

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Core stabilization on unstable surfaces

Intervention Type: OTHER

Participants will perform the same structured core stabilization training program as the stable surface group, but on unstable surfaces such as BOSU balls and wobble boards. The intervention is designed to challenge balance, proprioception, and core muscle activation. Sessions are conducted three times per week over a 7-week period.

Interventions

Core stabilization on stable surfaces

Participants will perform a structured core stabilization training program on stable surfaces, such as the floor and rigid foam blocks. The program includes functional exercises targeting trunk control, postural alignment, and balance, delivered three times per week over a 7-week period.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Core stabilization on unstable surfaces

Participants will perform the same structured core stabilization training program as the stable surface group, but on unstable surfaces such as BOSU balls and wobble boards. The intervention is designed to challenge balance, proprioception, and core muscle activation. Sessions are conducted three times per week over a 7-week period.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Female rhythmic gymnasts aged 7 to 12 years
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in rhythmic gymnastics
• Active participation in organized training at least 3 times per week
• No current musculoskeletal pain or injury
• Ability to perform all training and assessment tasks safely
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria

• History of acute lower limb or spinal injury within the past 6 months
• Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or vestibular disorders affecting balance
• Concurrent participation in other structured physical training programs outside rhythmic gymnastics
• Any medical condition that would contraindicate participation in physical exercise

• Minimum Eligible Age: 7 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 12 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

International Hellenic University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Dimitrios Lytras

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

International Hellenic University

Thessaloniki, Greece, Greece

Countries

Greece

Other Identifiers

EC-11 2025

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id