Clinical Research Directory

Postural Stability and Trunk Strength in Wrestlers

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the relationship between sagittal plane isokinetic trunk strength and dynamic postural stability in elite wrestlers compared to healthy sedentary volunteers (males, aged 18-30). The main questions it aims to answer are: Is there a significant correlation between maximal concentric isokinetic trunk torque/power values and dynamic postural stability variables in elite wrestlers? How do the agonist/antagonist (flexion/extension) ratios and core strength profiles of elite wrestlers differ from those of a sedentary control group. Comparison Group: Researchers will compare elite wrestlers (with at least 5 years of professional experience) to a healthy sedentary control group to see if professional wrestling training leads to superior trunk muscle integration and enhanced dynamic balance control.Participants will:Complete a demographic data form and a health screening to ensure they meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria (e.g., no history of spinal surgery or acute back pain).Perform a standardized warm-up session on a cycle ergometer at 55-60 rpm.Undergo dynamic postural stability testing to measure balance control and center of gravity displacement.Perform isokinetic trunk strength testing (flexion and extension) to measure peak torque, total work, and power values relative to body weight (PT/BW).

Comparison of Acute Effects of Flexible and Rigid Taping on Core Strength in Healthy Young Adults

Trunk stabilization refers to the optimization of posture for conscious and unconscious movements, the maintenance of upright posture, and the stabilization of arm and head movements. Trunk stabilizer muscles reduce overload between the intervertebral joints and play an important role in maintaining the stability of the spine. Trunk stabilizer muscles are connected via fascia, and superficial and deep muscles control the positions of the trunk to facilitate trunk stabilization. Prolonged activity of trunk stabilization muscles causes fatigue in one or more muscles, which can lead to loss of neuromuscular control and cause tissue damage and back pain due to uncontrolled movements. Muscular fatigue is defined as a decrease in the maximum strength or strength capacity of muscles after continuous physical activity. Sore or weak muscles tend to fatigue more quickly, which leads to a decrease in the ability to perform physical activities. When the endurance of the trunk stabilizer muscles decreases due to muscle fatigue, concentric and eccentric signal patterns are disrupted, causing the muscles to react less quickly. Muscle fatigue also reduces exercise performance and increases the risk of pain and injury. Therefore, increasing muscle endurance in cases of spinal instability may be more important than muscle strength training. Recently, flexible tape has begun to be used in the treatment of muscle fatigue. Taping has been used for years in both athletes and physiotherapy clinics for reducing pain, preventing injuries, biomechanical correction, increasing stability, increasing proprioception, reducing edema, as well as muscle inhibition and facilitation. Recently, taping techniques that primarily aim to change muscle activity have become widespread physiotherapy methods. In particular, it has been shown that taping inhibits or facilitates the muscle by changing the muscle's reflex amplitude (H reflex). When the literature is examined, it is seen that studies on taping are focused especially on flexible taping applications, and that studies on rigid taping applications are few. Therefore, in this study, the researchers aimed to compare the effects of flexible and rigid taping on trunk muscle endurance (core) and trunk stability when all trunk stabilizer muscles are used.