Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
MSc Student of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, PhD in Sport Biomechanics, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
3
Associate Professor in Sport Rehabilitation, PhD in Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
Abstract
Parkour is a sport originating from martial arts, focused on moving quickly and efficiently through complex physical environments (1). Research has demonstrated that controlling strength, balance, and stability of the core region enhances the function of both the upper and lower extremity movement chains (2). Improving core stability supports static posture control and increases dynamic stability, ultimately leading to better athletic performance (3,4). Conversely, dysfunction in the core region can cause instability and injury throughout the kinetic chain, particularly in the lower limbs. When functioning optimally, the core system distributes forces properly, maximizing force generation while minimizing compressive, transfer, and shear forces on the joints. It also facilitates optimal movement control and effective absorption of ground reaction forces during landings (4). Core stability exercises have gained attention for their role in maximizing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and aiding rehabilitation of physical disabilities (5). Strengthening the core, which acts as a communication bridge, enhances the transfer of force from the lower to the upper extremities through the trunk, improving athletic skill execution (6). This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week core stability training program on physical performance in male parkour athletes aged 12 to 20 years.
Methods and Materials
This semi-experimental study involved 32 male parkour athletes aged 12 to 20 years, each with at least two years of experience. Inclusion criteria were male gender, age between 12 and 20 years, participation in at least two regular parkour sessions per week, normal body mass index (BMI 19–24), no abnormalities or lower extremity injuries in the past year, and no history of disease or surgery. Exclusion criteria included missing three or more training sessions, lack of interest in continuing, or occurrence of joint or muscle problems during training. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 16). Anthropometric data (age, height, weight, BMI) were recorded. Pre-tests assessed core muscle endurance using the McGill protocol (plank, right plank, left plank, crunch, Sorensen tests), each repeated three times with rest periods twice the duration of each test. Test order was randomized. Back muscle strength was measured using a Takei dynamometer (accuracy 0.1 N). Static balance was assessed with an RSscan Plantar Scanner, recording center of pressure (COP) sway area and displacement during three 60-second trials with two-minute rests. The experimental group completed an 8-week core stability program (three sessions per week), while the control group maintained regular training. Post-tests were conducted after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests in SPSS, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results
No significant differences were found between groups in descriptive variables, and all study variables followed a normal distribution. Independent t-tests comparing post-test scores revealed significant improvements in the experimental group’s muscle strength (p = 0.01) and muscular endurance (p ≤ 0.05) across McGill protocol tests compared to controls. Additionally, balance assessments showed significant reductions in COP sway area and displacement on both feet and the dominant (right) foot in the experimental group (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
The findings indicate that core stability training significantly improves back muscle strength, muscular endurance, and balance in parkour athletes. Enhanced trunk muscle endurance correlates with improved dynamic balance, essential for executing parkour movements such as jumps and landings. Given the demands of parkour, core stability training is vital for skill execution, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. These results support incorporating core stability exercises into training regimens for athletes and coaches in this discipline.
Article Message
This study underscores the necessity of emphasizing core stability in athletic training programs to improve performance and prevent injuries. Core stability exercises should be integral components of athletes’ strengthening regimens.
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