INTRODUCTION: Trunk position is not only related to the performance of the physical fitness but important for the balance, stability and helping to progressively build fitness levels and improve athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of trunk stability and athletic performance after 2 types of core muscle training in adolescent female basketball players. METHODS: Fifty-one of the top four elite female basketball players (age: 14.76± 1.84yrs, BMI: 21.41± 1.96 kg/m2) in the high school basketball league in Taiwan, were randomly assigned to control, TRX and Swiss ball groups using the total ranking of the pre-test scores. All were free from musculoskeletal injuries, vestibular dysfunction, and concussion within three months before the experiment and during data collection. All participants performed a progressive program consisting of 3*8 sessions twice-a-week unstable core muscle training for 8 weeks during the pre-season. Participants engaged in a total workout of 60 minutes with 10 minutes warm-up, 40 minutes main exercises (3*8 sessions: 40-second workout with 20-second rest between each exercise), and 10 minutes cool-down. The plank test for core muscle ability, jumping, speed, agility, and the ankle proprioception test were evaluated in one week before and after the training. RESULTS: The score of the plank test increased in both TRX and Swiss ball groups, yet no significant difference was observed between the two groups. In terms of athletic performance, no significant change among the three groups after decreasing training volume converts into core muscle training. CONCLUSION: Both TRX and Swiss ball training can increase core muscle ability without regressing athletic performance. Moreover, core muscle training could help players gain improved power transmission ability and also prevent injury. Thus, we suggested that adding core muscle training, instead of doing original/traditional training, would be an effective strategy for injury prevention.
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