Effects of 8-Week TRX Exercise Program on Bowel Habits and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Competitive Male Swimmers Aged 9-13: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was conducted as an 8-week randomized controlled trial with 32 male swimmers. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (TRX, n=16 and Control, n=16) by Random Allocation Software. The TRX group and the control group were administered the Bristol Stool Scale and a questionnaire including defecation habits before and after the 8-week program. The shape of the feces differs according to the duration of their stay in the colon. For this reason, BSFS has been recognized as a reliable and rapid indicator of transit time. According to this scale, individuals' stools are classified into 7 groups, with Form 1 and Form 2 representing slow passage of stool through the colon, Form 3 and Form 4 representing normal passage of stool through the colon, and Form 5 and Form 6 representing rapid passage of stool through the colon and impaired rectal sensitivity.

Before starting the exercise program, the TRX group was subjected to a training session. The exercise protocol, questionnaire and scales were administered in a gym at a temperature of 20-24°C. No ergogenic supplements were given to the athletes during the study and they were asked to follow their normal diet. Since our study aimed to compare the effect of TRX exercise model with constipation and bowel habits, no additional food (apricots, plums, etc.) and medication (laxatives, etc.) were given to the children.

During the study period, all training sessions were performed between 12.00-13.30 (±1 hour), Monday-Wednesday-Friday. The athletes participated in a total of 24 exercise sessions 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Exercise intensity was determined according to TRX stability, vectorial and pendulum principles.

A total of 10 exercises were applied to the participants. These exercises consisted of movements for the upper body, lower body and core. Core exercises include Bicycle Crunch and Knee Tuck; lower extremity exercises include Calf Rise, Hamstring Curl, Lateral Skater With Stick and TRX Squat Jump; and finally upper extremity exercises include Chest Fly, Chest Press, Biceps Curl and TRX Inverted Row. Swimmers were given 45 seconds rest time between sets and 2 minutes rest time between each exercise. The Bristol stool scale and questionnaires including defecation habits were administered before starting the exercise program and after the 8th week of the training program was completed. No side effects or injuries were observed during the training.