Core Stabilization Training in Child and Adolescent Underwater Rugby Athletes

Effects of Core Stabilization Training on Trunk Muscle Endurance, Respiratory Function and Quality of Life in Child and Adolescent Underwater Rugby Athletes

Demographic information of children aged 9-17 who volunteer to participate in the study and who play underwater rugby will be recorded, and all participants; respiratory function will be assessed with a portable spirometer (Cosmed Poni FX) device, respiratory muscle strength will be assessed with a portable (micro RPM brand) electronic mouth pressure measurement device, and quality of life will be assessed with the KIDSCREEN scale. Core muscle endurance will be assessed with trunk flexion, trunk extension, lateral plank tests and flat plank test developed by McGill.

Respiratory muscle strength will be measured according to ATS/ERS criteria using a portable electronic mouth pressure measurement device (micro RPM brand). Respiratory function test will be performed using a portable spirometer (Cosmed Pony FX) to assess respiratory function. Capillary blood oxygen saturation of children will be recorded according to pulse oximetry results. Blood pressure will be measured with a cuff of appropriate size after a 5-minute rest according to age, gender and height percentile.

The experimental group will receive core stabilization training in addition to the training process. This training; Exercise training will be provided for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, 2 sets of 10 repetitions for the first two weeks, 2 sets of 15 repetitions for the second two weeks, and 3 sets of 12 repetitions for the third two weeks (Rahmat, et al., 2014). MIP/MEP values will be evaluated once a week. The control group will be monitored during the training and no training program will be given. The exercise program will be applied at the end of the project by being included in the follow-up list. The children will be taken to the second evaluation 6 weeks after the first evaluation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Doing underwater rugby.
• No mental problems.
• Able to cooperate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with respiratory system disease.
• Kyphoscoliosis and/or advanced postural alignment problems that will affect respiratory function.
• Any orthopedic and neurological problems.