Efficacy of core stability training on upper extremity performance in collegiate athletes

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a five-week core stability training program for collegiate athletes on upper extremity performance measures. METHODS: Seventy healthy collegiate athletes (age 21.6±1.7years; height 175±4.63 cm; body mass 65.31±5.63 kg) were randomly allocated to experimental (n=35) and control group (n=35). The experimental group has undergone a five-week core stabilisation protocol (three days /week) and regular training, whereas the control group maintained their regular training. The upper quarter Y balance test (UQ-YBT) and Functional throwing performance index (FTPI) were assessed pre and post-training. RESULTS: The results of mixed ANOVA show that there was a significant interaction between time and group variables on YBT (p<0.001, η(p)(2) =0.759) and FTPI (p<0.001, η(p)(2) =0.411) after five weeks of core stability training. Statistically, significant improvement was shown in YBT (mean change=15.2, p<0.001) and FTPI (mean change=14.4, p<0.001) in the experimental group; however, there was no significant change observed in both outcomes in the control groups. CONCLUSION: After five weeks of core stabilisation training program, the measures of UQ-YBT and FTPI were improved, thus advocating the use of a core stabilisation training program among collegiate athletes to enhance their upper extremity performance.