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

NCT07025395 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: AUTH-CORE-STUDY
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

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

Keywords

Core Training; Neuromuscular Adaptations; Muscle Hypertrophy; Electromyography; Ultrasound Imaging; Functional Performance; Life Satisfaction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam

  Surface EMG recordings will assess neuromuscular activation in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles. Measurements will be conducted pre- and post-intervention using Biopac Systems Inc. electrodes and TEL100 M transmitter, with signals filtered between 10-500 Hz. Data will be analyzed via Acknowledge software to determine training-induced improvements in core muscle activity patterns.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Ultrasound-Based Core Muscle Hypertrophy Assessment

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

• Balance & Postural Stability Evaluation (Force Plate Analysis)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

• Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale - SWLS)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

Other Outcomes (2)

• Kinematic Angular Velocity Analysis (Motion Capture)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

• Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (SWLS)

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Behavioral: - Core Training Protocol

Control Group - Standardized Core Routine

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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.

Behavioral: Control Group Core Routine

Interventions

- Core Training Protocol 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.

Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol

Control Group Core Routine BEHAVIORAL

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

Control Group - Standardized Core Routine

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ioannis Tsartsapakis: lead

Study Sites (1)

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres Campus - Neuromechanics Laboratory

Serres, Central Makedonia, 62100, Greece

Location

Related Links

• Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres AUTH

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Personal Satisfaction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D.

  Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D.

CONTACT

00306982906442; ioantsar@phed-sr.auth.gr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Laboratory Teaching Staff - Laboratory of Neuromechanics. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Model Details: This study employs a parallel-group design with randomized allocation. Participants are divided into an experimental group undergoing an eight-week core training protocol and a control group following a standardized core-related routine. The interventional group receives structured progressive stability, strength, and power-focused exercises, while the control group engages in general core activation without targeted neuromuscular training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluate neuromuscular function, balance, biomechanical efficiency, and life satisfaction.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2025
• First Posted: June 17, 2025
• Study Start: October 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 28, 2026
• Study Completion: March 15, 2026
• Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations

GR (1)