title: Development and validation of a core endurance intervention program: implications for performance in college-age rowers.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a core endurance exercise protocol. Forty-five college-age rowers (age 21 +/- 1.0) were assigned to either a core training group [core group] (n = 25), which took part in a core endurance intervention exercise protocol, or to a control training group [control group] (n = 20), which was not given any specialized core training. Training took place 2 days per week for 8 weeks. Trunk endurance was assessed using flexion, extension, and side flexion tests, whereas a variety of functional performance measures were assessed (vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle run, 40-m sprint, overhead medicine ball throw, 2,000-m maximal rowing ergometer test). The results revealed significant improvement in the two side flexion tests for the core group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, significant differences were noted in the trunk extension test endurance times for the control group (p < 0.05), but not for the core group. No significant differences were found for any of the functional performance tests. In summary, the 8-week core endurance training program improved selected core endurance parameters in healthy young men, but the effectiveness of the core intervention on various functional performance aspects was not supported.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. matsega@hkusua.hku.hk
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: Richard S W
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Masters
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D016730:Program Development; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*