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

NCT06966648 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: EC-11 2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Postural Balance; Motor Skills; Physical Fitness; Athletic Performance

Keywords

Rhythmic gymnastics; Core stabilization; Balance training; Unstable surfaces; Pilot trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Balance Duration

  Balance performance will be measured in seconds using a handheld stopwatch (Ultrak 250 Stopwatch Chronometer). Each gymnast will perform three static balance elements (passé, attitude, and side split with help) in relevé position while wearing half shoes. The timer will start once the gymnast achieves final posture and stop when balance is lost, form deteriorates, or the center of gravity shifts. Five trials will be performed for each element, and the longest successful attempt will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.

  Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)

• Pivot Performance (Number of Clean Rotations)

  Pivot performance will be assessed as the number of clean, full rotations executed without technical faults, based on Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) regulations. Each gymnast will perform two pivot elements (passé forward and attitude) in relevé position while wearing half shoes, maintaining proper form and control. Five attempts will be performed for each pivot type, and the highest number of clean rotations will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.

  Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Stable Surface Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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

Other: Core stabilization on stable surfaces

Unstable Surface Group

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Other: Core stabilization on unstable surfaces

Interventions

Core stabilization on stable surfaces 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.

Stable Surface Group

Core stabilization on unstable surfaces 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.

Unstable Surface Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 7 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• International Hellenic University: lead

Study Sites (1)

International Hellenic University

Thessaloniki, Greece, 57400, Greece

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2025
• First Posted: May 13, 2025
• Study Start: May 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2025
• Study Completion: July 15, 2025
• Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

GR (1)