Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Sport Sciences, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey | [b] Faculty of Sport Sciences, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Pelin Aksen-Cengizhan, Faculty of Sport Science, Kırıkkale University, Yahşihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey. Tel.: +90 5309320203; E-mail: pelinaksen@hotmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Core exercises include exercises to train muscles that control and stabilize the movements of the abdomen, waist, and hip. Thanks to these exercises, the control and balance of the body are increased. Exercises on unstable surfaces increase the level of muscle activity, and by using elastic resistance tools, one or more joints can be simultaneously and efficiently trained. OBJECTIVE: To compare core exercises with Theraband and Swiss Ball in terms of core stabilization and balance performance. METHOD: A total of 22 women who perform recreational sports between 25 and 46 years of age participated in the study. The participants were separated into two groups: Swiss Ball (SBC, n= 11) and Theraband (TBC, n= 11). Both groups were subjected to core exercise programs for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, around 40 minutes per day. Prior to and after the 6-week exercises, body composition, core stabilization, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Stork balance test scores were compared. RESULTS: No difference was found between groups in terms of pre-test values. While the weight and body mass index values decreased in all groups, the balance and core stabilization test scores increased significantly. With the exception of the SEBT, which has increased significantly in the TBC group, there were no differences between the groups in none of the scores. CONCLUSION: As both training methods lead to positive effect on the tested variables, the choice of the specific method should probably be decided based on individual preference and the training environment.
Keywords: Core stabilization, balance, Theraband, Swiss Ball, body composition
