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

The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Youth Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Muscle Strength; Postural Balance; Core Stability; Neuromuscular Function

Detailed Description

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationships between lower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance, and core endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 14-17. A total of 68 rowers (32 females, 36 males) licensed by the Turkish Rowing Federation were included. All participants had a minimum of two years of rowing experience and trained at least four days per week.

Lower extremity muscle strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Core endurance was evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test Battery, including trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral plank tests. Dynamic balance was assessed via the Y Balance Test and normalized to leg length.

The study also examined potential sex-based differences in neuromuscular performance and investigated inter-variable correlations among muscle strength, balance, and core endurance. In addition, asymmetry in dynamic balance performance was analyzed as a risk factor for performance and injury.

This study is expected to provide practical insights for sports physiotherapists and coaches working with adolescent rowers, particularly in optimizing performance and designing sex-specific injury prevention strategies.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 68

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Cyprus
  • Famagusta, Cyprus, 99010
    • Burcin Ugur Tosun

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• 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.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

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)

Exclusion Criteria:

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Eastern Mediterranean University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: burcin ugur tosun, PHD, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olympic Preparation Center, Adana, Türkiye; Study Chair: gulhan yilmaz gokmen, Assoc. Prof, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, Türkiye

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 20, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): July 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 12, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 12, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): July 22, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): September 24, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 23, 2025
• Last Verified: September 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Dynamic Balance; Rowing Performance; Core Endurance
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2025-06

Drug and device information, study documents

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