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

Effect of Core Stabilization Training on Balance and Pivot Performance in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Motor Skills; Athletic Performance; Physical Fitness; Postural Balance
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Core stabilization on stable surfaces; Other: Core stabilization on unstable surfaces

Detailed Description

Rhythmic gymnastics requires high-level neuromuscular control, especially for skills involving balance and rotation. Core stabilization exercises are commonly included in training, but limited evidence exists regarding the impact of surface type on training effectiveness. This pilot study will compare the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program conducted on stable versus unstable surfaces on balance and pivot execution in rhythmic gymnasts aged 7-12. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups and will be assessed pre- and post-intervention on selected balance and pivot tasks in accordance with Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) standards. The study aims to inform future trials by estimating effect sizes and assessing the feasibility of the protocol.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 16
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Greece
  • Thessaloniki, Greece, 57400
    • International Hellenic University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

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

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Stable Surface Group; 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; 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.
Experimental: Unstable Surface Group; Participants will perform the same core stabilization program on unstable surfaces (e.g., BOSU, wobble board).	Other: Core stabilization on unstable surfaces; 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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: International Hellenic University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 5, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 15, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): July 15, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 4, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): May 13, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 17, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 14, 2025
• Last Verified: July 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Balance training; Pilot trial; Core stabilization; Rhythmic gymnastics; Unstable surfaces
• Other Study ID Numbers: EC-11 2025

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No