Core Endurance Relationships With Athletic and Functional Performance in Inactive People

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Limited research exists on the relationship between core muscle endurance and athletic performance.
• Core/trunk endurance is crucial for stabilizing the body during dynamic movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between core/trunk endurance and various measures of athletic performance.
• To determine if core endurance can predict functional performance outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four healthy adults (18-45 years) participated.
• Core endurance was assessed using the McGill protocol (trunk flexion, back extension, side-bridge).
• Athletic performance was evaluated through strength tests (1RM), power tests, agility tests (T-run), jump tests (CMJ), and functional movement screens.

Main Results:

• Core endurance was significantly associated with strength (1RM bench press, pull row, leg press) and power (bench press, pull row, leg press) (p < 0.05).
• Higher core endurance correlated with better performance in push-ups, sit-to-stand tests, and functional movement scores (p < 0.001).
• Core endurance did not significantly predict jump ability (CMJ) or agility (T-run test) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Core endurance positively influences strength, power, and movement quality in athletes.
• Core endurance is not a significant predictor of agility or vertical jump performance.
• Targeting core endurance may enhance specific aspects of athletic performance, excluding agility and jumping.