Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Core Strength Training (CST): 12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, \~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.

Technical Sailing Training (TST): Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.

Study summary

Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
• Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
• Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
• Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
• Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal.
• Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations.
• Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements.
• Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape — Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
  Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape.

Trial sites (1)

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