Effect of core muscle strengthening on roller skating speed in competitive teenage skaters: An experimental study

Abstract

Background: The core has been referred to as the “Powerhouse,” the foundation or engine of all limb movements. All movements are generated from the core and translated to the extremities. Whereas the skaters need more core muscle strength for speed and stability. Objective: To find out the effectiveness of core muscle strengthening on skating speed. Study Design: Pre- and post-test experimental study design Materials and Methods: The study involved 31 teenage competitive skaters within the age group of 12–18 years were taken. The core strength of each participant was measured before and after the training program using pressure biofeedback unit. Skating speed of the participants was assessed by instructing the participants to skate 300 m and the skating speed using with a stopwatch. The exercise consists of 4 day/week for 4 weeks swiss ball exercises. Outcome Measures: Pressure biofeedback and stopwatch. Results: The mean of core strength on precession was 51.61 ± 8.34, posttreatment was 55.97 ± 11.21 after 16 sessions of the treatment. The P value was found to be <0.0001 which is highly statistically significant. The mean of skating speed was 42.10 ± 3.71, which was decreased to mean of 38.48 ± 4.96 after the 16 sessions of treatment. The P value was found to be < 0.0001 which is highly statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that the protocol which consisted exercises given for 4 days/week for 4 weeks is effective in improving core muscle strength and speed in competitive roller skaters.