Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors

August 31, 2026 updated by: Anna Antonia Valenzano, University of Foggia

Core Strength Training Influences Anthropometric Profile And Postural Control In Optimist Sailors

Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

During upwind sailing ("hiking"), Optimist sailors suspend their torso over the windward gunwale, secured only by foot straps over their feet and ankles. This exertion demands sustained isometric contractions of the anterior core, rectus abdominis, quadriceps, and pelvic stabilisers. Inadequate core muscle endurance and deficient postural control compromise boat handling efficiency, accelerate central and peripheral fatigue, and elevate the risk of chronic lower back disorders in young athletes.

Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either:

Experimental Group (CST+TST): Participating in a 12-week standardized CST program (3 sessions per week) in addition to regular Technical Sailing Training (TST).

Active Control Group (TST Alone): Participating exclusively in the standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week).

The CST program progresses systematically across four 2-week meso-blocks, transitioning from foundational bodyweight stability (Weeks 1-6) to advanced dynamic overload and multi-planar surface instability using small fitness tools (Weeks 7-12), such as fit balls, dumbbells, weight discs, resistance bands, Bosu balance trainers, TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, and ankle/wrist weights.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
40

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Italy
    • FG
      • Foggia, FG, Italy, 71122
        • Outdoor Open-Water Sailing Facility & High-Performance Athletic Training Center
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Active competitive youth Optimist class dinghy sailors aged between 8 and 15 years.
  • Minimum of 2 consecutive years of continuous competitive sailing experience registered with a recognized national sailing federation or licensed sailing club.
  • Regular participation in a minimum of 3 technical sailing sessions per week.
  • Valid sports medical clearance certificate authorizing participation in competitive athletic training.
  • Signed written informed consent provided by parent(s) or legal guardian(s), accompanied by written informed assent from the participant.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, abdominal wall, lower limbs, or upper extremities within the preceding 6 months.
  • Concurrent participation in structured external core or strength training programs outside the trial protocol during the preceding 3 months.
  • Neurological, vestibular, or uncorrected visual impairments affecting balance, posturography, or postural control.
  • Training adherence rate below 85% of total prescribed sessions over the 12-week interventional period.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Experimental Group (CST+TST)
12-week standardized Core Strength Training (CST) program (3 sessions per week) integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST).
Behavioral: Core Strength Training (CST)
12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, ~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.
Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST)
Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.
Active Comparator: Active Control Group (TST Alone)
12-week standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program alone (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week).
Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST)
Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape.
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Core Muscle Endurance
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
McGill Protocol Battery: Flexor Endurance Test, Biering-Sørensen Extensor Test, Right & Left Side Bridge Tests measured in seconds.
Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Balance
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Y-Balance Test / Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) normalized reach distances (% leg length).
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University of Foggia

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
September 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
January 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
August 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 31, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
September 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
September 3, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 31, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • CST-OPT-2026-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

De-identified individual participant data (anthropometric and posturographic parameters) will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.

IPD Sharing Time Frame

Data will be available starting 6 months following publication for up to 3 years.

IPD Sharing Access Criteria

Researchers whose proposed use of the data has been approved by an independent review committee.

IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type

  • STUDY_PROTOCOL
  • SAP
  • ICF
  • ANALYTIC_CODE
  • CSR

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For more details carefully read our Privacy and Cookies Policy. ...>>>You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by deleting the cookies from your website or computer as described in the policy. Please accept it and choose your preferences by ticking the corresponding boxes in the "Manage Settings" section below. Please carefully read our Terms of Service before you proceed with using any part of this website.
«Manage Settings