"CORE Training for Musculoskeletal Health: A Study on Adaptive Exercise Protocols"

NCT ID: NCT07025395

Last Updated: 2025-06-25

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 40 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-10-01
• Study Completion Date: 2026-03-15

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Forty recreationally active adults with a minimum of two years of consistent training experience will participate. The structured intervention will span multiple weeks and utilize electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging, and validated questionnaires to assess neuromuscular and functional adaptations.

Detailed Description

Extended Detailed Description - Study Rationale and Objectives Core stability is a foundational component of human movement, contributing to postural control, balance, and force transmission. The deep and superficial muscle systems of the trunk function synergistically to enhance spinal alignment, movement efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.

In modern health science, core training has evolved into a key preventative strategy that supports spinal resilience and reduces functional limitations associated with sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary protocols often integrate trunk bracing, diaphragmatic engagement, and multi-planar control for comprehensive development.

This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effects of an eight-week progressive core training program in recreationally active adults. The protocol combines components of neuromuscular control, strength development, and high-intensity power work, and aims to assess outcomes related to muscle activation, balance, segmental coordination, and perceived well-being.

Study Design & Participants Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving the full protocol) or a control group (minimal activity). All procedures will take place at the Neuromechanics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Serres Campus). Forty adults between 25-35 years old who meet physical activity and health-related eligibility criteria will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to randomization.

Core Training Structure The program consists of a warm-up (~6 min), a main core-focused session (~30-32 min), and a cool-down (~5 min). Training follows a triad structure in which each set includes one stability, one strength, and one power-based core exercise. Work intervals are set to 45 seconds, with progressive recovery. All sessions are designed to follow a logical kinetic chain progression: from motor control to peak force expression.

Measurements & Instrumentation Pre- and post-testing includes validated assessments of ground reaction force, muscle activation, ultrasound-measured hypertrophy, video-based kinematic analysis, body measurements, and psychometric indices of well-being. Instrumentation includes force platforms, surface EMG, ultrasound imaging systems, motion capture tools, and standardized questionnaires.

Anticipated Outcomes The intervention is expected to improve neuromuscular efficiency, postural control, force production, core muscle thickness, and overall movement confidence. Enhanced trunk function may contribute to greater kinetic chain integration and better quality of life.

Broader Impact and Applicability Due to its equipment-light structure and progressive difficulty, this training protocol is well-suited for application in clinical rehabilitation, fitness centers, or at-home settings under professional supervision. The triad design offers educational value for exercise professionals seeking to integrate functional core sequencing into their practice.

This trial contributes to ongoing research on motor control strategies, force adaptation, sensorimotor integration, and holistic well-being. Insights gained may inform interventions in athletic populations, workplace health promotion, and functional aging.

Conditions

Core Muscle Weakness; Postural Control Deficit; Trunk Stability Impairment; Functional Performance Limitation

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: BASIC_SCIENCE
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol

Participants in this arm will follow an eight-week structured core training protocol designed to enhance neuromuscular adaptations, core muscle hypertrophy, and biomechanical performance. The program incorporates progressive core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises, ensuring gradual intensity scaling and optimized movement efficiency. Training sessions include warm-up, eight structured triads of core exercises, and a cool-down phase. Assessments will track electromyographic activity, ultrasound muscle imaging, balance performance, and kinetic chain optimization.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

- Core Training Protocol

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

This structured training intervention incorporates progressive core exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular activation, balance, and muscle hypertrophy. Participants perform eight exercise triads per session, progressing from core stability drills to high-intensity power movements over eight weeks.

Control Group - Standardized Core Routine

Participants in this arm will engage in a standardized core exercise routine performed twice per week. The intervention will not include progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular activation techniques. Control group participants will perform basic abs and back exercises to maintain general core function without targeted adaptations. The purpose of this arm is to serve as a baseline comparison for neuromuscular, biomechanical, and psychological assessments between groups.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Control Group Core Routine

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Control group participants engage in general core activation exercises twice per week, without progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular adaptation.

Interventions

- Core Training Protocol

This structured training intervention incorporates progressive core exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular activation, balance, and muscle hypertrophy. Participants perform eight exercise triads per session, progressing from core stability drills to high-intensity power movements over eight weeks.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Control Group Core Routine

Control group participants engage in general core activation exercises twice per week, without progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular adaptation.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged 25-35 years
• Physically active (≥3 sessions/week, ≥1 hour per session) for ≥2 years
• No known musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders
• No engagement in structured core training programs
• Available to attend all evaluation appointments
• Able and willing to commit to the 8-week intervention program

Exclusion Criteria

• Medical conditions that limit full-body or trunk movement
• Cardiovascular/metabolic conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise
• Current participation in Pilates, CrossFit, or other core-specific protocols
• Recent musculoskeletal injury affecting training eligibility

• Minimum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Ioannis Tsartsapakis

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Ioannis Tsartsapakis

Laboratory Teaching Staff - Laboratory of Neuromechanics. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Locations

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres Campus - Neuromechanics Laboratory

Serres, Central Makedonia, Greece

Countries

Greece

Central Contacts

Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

ioantsar@phed-sr.auth.gr

00306982906442

Facility Contacts

Ioannis Principal Investigator, Ph.D./MSc

Role: primary

ioantsar@phed-sr.auth.gr

00306982906442

Maria Gerou, MSc

Role: backup

miamixan@hotmail.com

00306943566550

Study Documents

Document Type: Study Protocol

Core Training Protocol by Ioannis Tsartsapakis Ph.D.

View Document

Related Links

https://phed-sr.auth.gr/%CF%84%CE%BC%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B1-%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B7%CF%82-%CF%86%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE%CF%82-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%B3%CE%AE%CF%82-%CE%B1%CE%B8%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%84%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%8D-%CF%83%CE%B5%CF%81%CF%81%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CF%80%CE%B8

Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres AUTH

Other Identifiers

AUTH-CORE-STUDY

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id