Effects of core stability training program on trunk muscle endurance in deaf children: A preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Sport participation is an important for deaf children as participants experience physical, psychological and social benefits; however, the beneficial effect of core stability training on core muscle endurance is unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week core stability exercise training program on endurance of trunk muscles in deaf children.

Methods: Twenty male deaf students (age, 16.5 ± 0.65 y; body mass, 62.08 ± 5.39 kg; BMI, 22.33 ± 2.24 kg/m²) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to experimental (EXP, n = 10) and control (CON, n = 10) groups. The subjects in the EXP group performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks period of core stability training program and tested trunk muscle endurance including prone bridge, supine bridge and flexor endurance tests at pre and post 8 weeks intervention.

Results: The CON group did not show any significant change after training period (p > 0.05). The EXP group showed significantly changes in core stability muscle endurance tests following the 8-week core stability training program (p < 0.05). In addition, the EXP group indicated statistically significant changes than the CON group in truck muscle endurance (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The results indicated that core stability training program improved trunk muscle endurance. Therefore, this training approach can be recommended in deaf rehabilitation programs to improve trunk muscle endurance.

Keywords: Core stability; Core training; Deaf students; Trunk endurance; Trunk muscle.