Effect of an eight-week core training program on Y-Balance performance in professional female wrestlers: a controlled quasi-experimental study

Metin Kaplan; Asghar Tofighi; Selman Kaya

Authors

Metin Kaplan Urmia University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1065-9805
Asghar Tofighi Urumia University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3626-1782
Selman Kaya Yalova University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2185-6436

Keywords:

core training, dynamic balance, Y-Balance Test, wrestling, trunk stability, neuromuscular control

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Dynamic balance is a component of athletic performance. It is required in sports involving rapid postural adjustments, single-leg stabilization, and trunk control. Wrestling involves frequent changes in body position and rotational movements, which demand high levels of neuromuscular coordination and trunk stability. Despite the application of core training to improve postural control, its effectiveness in enhancing dynamic balance in elite female wrestlers remains a matter of practical interest. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an eight-week core training program on Y-Balance performance in professional female wrestlers. Materials and Methods. Fifteen elite female wrestlers participated in this study. A single-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design was used. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test for the Lower Quarter in the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions. Participants completed an eight-week core training program in addition to their regular wrestling training. Reach distances were normalized to leg length. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Significant improvements were observed in Y-Balance performance following the intervention. For the dominant limb, a significant effect of time was found (p < .001). For the non-dominant limb, dynamic balance also improved significantly (p = .005). Composite Y-Balance scores increased significantly for both the dominant (p < .001) and non-dominant limbs (p = .026). Conclusions. Dynamic balance performance improved following the eight-week training intervention in elite female wrestlers. These findings suggest that integrating structured core exercises into wrestling training programs may support improvements in trunk stability and functional balance capacity.

Author Biographies

Metin Kaplan, Urmia University

PhD Student in Exercise Physiology; Metin.kaplan@gsb.gov.tr; Faculty of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Movement's; Urmia, Iran.

Asghar Tofighi, Urumia University

Professor in Exercise Physiology; a.tofighi@urmia.ac.ir; Faculty of Exercise Physiology and Corrective Movement's; Urumia, Iran.

Selman Kaya, Yalova University

selman.kaya@yalova.edu.tr; Faculty of Sports Science; Yalova, Turkey.

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