Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age8-15
SponsorUniversity of Foggia
About this trial
Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Active competitive youth Optimist class dinghy sailors aged between 8 and 15 years.
Minimum of 2 consecutive years of continuous competitive sailing experience registered with a recognized national sailing federation or licensed sailing club.
Regular participation in a minimum of 3 technical sailing sessions per week.
Valid sports medical clearance certificate authorizing participation in competitive athletic training.
Disqualifiers
Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, abdominal wall, lower limbs, or upper extremities within the preceding 6 months.
Concurrent participation in structured external core or strength training programs outside the trial protocol during the preceding 3 months.
Neurological, vestibular, or uncorrected visual impairments affecting balance, posturography, or postural control.
Training adherence rate below 85% of total prescribed sessions over the 12-week interventional period.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Core Strength Training (CST)
Behavioral12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, \~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.
Technical Sailing Training (TST)
BehavioralStandardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Experimental Group (CST+TST)Experimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Active Control Group (TST Alone)Active comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)2
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)3
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)4
Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)Secondary outcomes
1
Core Muscle Endurance
McGill Protocol Battery: Flexor Endurance Test, Biering-Sørensen Extensor Test, Right \& Left Side Bridge Tests measured in seconds.
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)2
Dynamic Balance
Y-Balance Test / Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) normalized reach distances (% leg length).
Time frame
Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: