Effect of core training on dynamic balance and agility among Indian junior tennis players

BACKGROUND: The effect of core training on dynamic balance and agility has yet to be established in literature, especially among junior athletes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of core training on dynamic balance and agility among Indian junior tennis players. METHOD: Thirty junior tennis players from various parts of Delhi and the national capital region participated in the study. The study featured a pre-test/post-test experimental design. The subjects were divided into the experimental group (mean age = 15.20 +/- 0.41, mean BMI = 20.23 +/- 1.54) and the control group (mean age = 15.53 +/- 1.06, mean BMI = 20.71 +/- 1.53). The control group performed regular training, and the experimental group followed a five-week core training program along with regular training. The subjects were evaluated with t-test for agility and the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) for dynamic stability. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the post-test values of agility (t-test p = 0.000) and dynamic balance using SEBT ((anterolateral; p = 0.00), (lateral; p = 0.02), (posterolateral; p = 0.00), (posterior; p = 0.00), (posteromedial; p = 0.01), (medial; p = 0.03), and (anteromedial; p = 0.03)] except in the anterior direction (p = 0.23)) between the experimental and the control group. The experimental group showed a significant difference in the pre- and post-test values of the t-test and SEBT except in the anterior direction. CONCLUSION: Core training programs can be incorporated safely with players' regular training to improve their dynamic balance and agility, which can eventually lead to better performance.