"Muscle Strength, Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Adolescent Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Study"

NCT07077993 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025-06
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 68
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the relationship between lower extremity isokinetic strength, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 14-17. A total of 68 athletes (31 males, 37 females) will be assessed through standardized protocols involving isokinetic testing, the Y Balance Test, and McGill Core Endurance Tests. The study aims to contribute to performance monitoring and injury prevention strategies in rowing sports.

Conditions

Neuromuscular Function; Postural Balance; Core Stability; Muscle Strength

Keywords

Rowing Performance; Core Endurance; Dynamic Balance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Composite Y Balance Test Score (%)

  Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y Balance Test. Reach distances in three directions will be normalized to limb length, and a composite balance score will be calculated. The outcome will be used to compare balance performance across sex groups.

  Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit)

• Isokinetic Quadriceps Peak Torque at 60°/s (Nm)

  Peak torque of the dominant quadriceps muscle will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. The outcome will be recorded in Newton-meters (Nm) and used to analyze muscle strength differences between groups.

  Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit)

• Core Extensor Endurance Time (seconds)

  Trunk extensor endurance will be evaluated using the McGill Trunk Extensor Endurance Test. Participants will maintain a horizontal prone posture over the edge of a bench with the pelvis stabilized. The maximum time (in seconds) that the position can be held with proper form will be recorded as the endurance score.

  Cross-sectional assessment at baseline (single visit)

Study Arms (2)

Male Athletes

Elite male adolescent rowers (n=36), aged 16-18, participating in national-level rowing training at least 5 times per week.

Female Athletes

Elite female adolescent rowers (n=32), aged 16-18, participating in national-level rowing training at least 5 times per week.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 16 Years - 18 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: This study includes both male and female elite adolescent rowers aged 16-18. A gender-based comparative analysis was planned to examine potential sex-specific differences in muscle strength, core endurance, and dynamic balance performance. Both sexes were evaluated separately to identify neuromuscular characteristics and training needs unique to each group.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of 68 elite adolescent rowers (32 females, 36 males) aged 16 to 18 years, actively competing and training under the Turkish Rowing Federation. All participants were healthy, licensed athletes with at least two years of regular rowing experience and were training at least five times per week at a national-level rowing training center.

You may qualify if:

• Elite adolescent rowers aged 16 to 18 years
• Licensed athletes training at least 5 days per week
• Registered with a national-level rowing team or rowing education program
• Minimum 2 years of regular rowing experience
• No current musculoskeletal or neurological injury
• Voluntary participation with informed consent (parental consent required for minors)

You may not qualify if:

• History of lower extremity or spinal surgery
• Current injury or condition affecting strength, balance, or posture
• Diagnosed neurological disorder or vestibular dysfunction
• Acute illness, severe fatigue, or muscle soreness on the day of testing
• Active menstruation phase in female participants on the day of testing
• Lack of cooperation or unwillingness to follow instructions

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Eastern Mediterranean University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Burcin Ugur Tosun

Famagusta, 99010, Cyprus

Location

Study Officials

• burcin ugur tosun, PHD

  Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olympic Preparation Center, Adana, Türkiye

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• gulhan yilmaz gokmen, Assoc. Prof

  Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, Türkiye

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator PhD Physiotherapist Burcin Ugur Tosun

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 12, 2025
• First Posted: July 22, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 20, 2025
• Study Completion: July 31, 2025
• Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Locations

CY (1)