BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of core strength training (CST) on dynamic balance and vertical jump height, and throwing velocity in handball players. METHODS: Twenty male handball players (mean age 14.90±0.44 years) participated in this study. The players randomly divided into two groups as CST and control (CON) groups. Dynamic balance, vertical jump, and throwing velocity were measured before and after a six-week CST. RESULTS: Significant differences were found at anterior (P=0.009) and posteromedial (P=0.017) directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in only CST group. There were significant improvement in vertical jump height of participants compared to pre-test scores in both CST (P=0.047) and CON group (P=0.013). No significant difference was found for throwing velocity compared with pre-test in both groups. There were no significant differences in all parameters when CST and CON groups were compared (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that a 6-week CST did not improve dynamic balance, vertical jump height and throwing velocity in adolescent male handball players. We believe that longer CST programs may provide significant benefits.
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