Development and Implementation of a Core Training Protocol: Effects on Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy, Balance, and Quality of Life in Recreationally Active Adults
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 40
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam
研究概览
简要总结
This study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Forty recreationally active adults with a minimum of two years of consistent training experience will participate. The structured intervention will span multiple weeks and utilize electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging, and validated questionnaires to assess neuromuscular and functional adaptations.
详细描述
Extended Detailed Description - Study Rationale and Objectives Core stability is a foundational component of human movement, contributing to postural control, balance, and force transmission. The deep and superficial muscle systems of the trunk function synergistically to enhance spinal alignment, movement efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.
In modern health science, core training has evolved into a key preventative strategy that supports spinal resilience and reduces functional limitations associated with sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary protocols often integrate trunk bracing, diaphragmatic engagement, and multi-planar control for comprehensive development.
This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effects of an eight-week progressive core training program in recreationally active adults. The protocol combines components of neuromuscular control, strength development, and high-intensity power work, and aims to assess outcomes related to muscle activation, balance, segmental coordination, and perceived well-being.
Study Design & Participants Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving the full protocol) or a control group (minimal activity). All procedures will take place at the Neuromechanics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Serres Campus). Forty adults between 25-35 years old who meet physical activity and health-related eligibility criteria will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to randomization.
Core Training Structure The program consists of a warm-up (~6 min), a main core-focused session (~30-32 min), and a cool-down (~5 min). Training follows a triad structure in which each set includes one stability, one strength, and one power-based core exercise. Work intervals are set to 45 seconds, with progressive recovery. All sessions are designed to follow a logical kinetic chain progression: from motor control to peak force expression.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 25 Years 至 35 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Aged 25-35 years
- •Physically active (≥3 sessions/week, ≥1 hour per session) for ≥2 years
- •No known musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders
- •No engagement in structured core training programs
- •Available to attend all evaluation appointments
- •Able and willing to commit to the 8-week intervention program
排除标准
- •Medical conditions that limit full-body or trunk movement
- •Cardiovascular/metabolic conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise
- •Current participation in Pilates, CrossFit, or other core-specific protocols
- •Recent musculoskeletal injury affecting training eligibility
研究组 & 干预措施
Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol
Participants in this arm will follow an eight-week structured core training protocol designed to enhance neuromuscular adaptations, core muscle hypertrophy, and biomechanical performance. The program incorporates progressive core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises, ensuring gradual intensity scaling and optimized movement efficiency. Training sessions include warm-up, eight structured triads of core exercises, and a cool-down phase. Assessments will track electromyographic activity, ultrasound muscle imaging, balance performance, and kinetic chain optimization.
干预措施: - Core Training Protocol (Behavioral)
Control Group - Standardized Core Routine
Participants in this arm will engage in a standardized core exercise routine performed twice per week. The intervention will not include progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular activation techniques. Control group participants will perform basic abs and back exercises to maintain general core function without targeted adaptations. The purpose of this arm is to serve as a baseline comparison for neuromuscular, biomechanical, and psychological assessments between groups.
干预措施: Control Group Core Routine (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam
时间窗: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Surface EMG recordings will assess neuromuscular activation in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles. Measurements will be conducted pre- and post-intervention using Biopac Systems Inc. electrodes and TEL100 M transmitter, with signals filtered between 10-500 Hz. Data will be analyzed via Acknowledge software to determine training-induced improvements in core muscle activity patterns.
次要结局
- Ultrasound-Based Core Muscle Hypertrophy Assessment(Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8))
- Balance & Postural Stability Evaluation (Force Plate Analysis)(Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8))
- Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale - SWLS)(Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8))
研究者
Ioannis Tsartsapakis
Laboratory Teaching Staff - Laboratory of Neuromechanics. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki