Abstract
The goal of sports performance training is to increase athlete performance, which among other factors, is influenced by the quality of postural stabilization. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of trunk stabilization training on sports performance and incidence of painful syndromes of the musculoskeletal system in competitive flatwater kayakers.
Methods: Twenty flatwater kayakers (17 - 25 years old) were randomly divided into two groups. For a period of 6 weeks, the experimental group integrated trunk stabilization exercise according to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) concept within routine off-season training.
The control group practiced the same routine off-season training program without the specific focus on postural stabilization. In all individuals from both groups, the maximum paddling output was measured on kayak ergometer before the study and after the six weeks observational period.
The standardized self-report questionnaire for Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) was used to evaluate shoulder girdle and upper extremity dysfunction and pain. Results: In the experimental group, the maximum paddling output increased after the 6- weeks period by 13.22 %, while in the control group the increase was 0.92 %.
Although in the experimental group the increase was bigger, the inter-group difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065). Disability and symptoms evaluated by DASH decreased in the experimental group by 43.38 % and in the control group by 5.88 %.
In the experimental group, the improvement in disability and pain was significantly better (p = 0.038) comparing to the control group. Conclusion: Trunk stabilization training based on DNS may improve sports performance and reduce upper extremity and shoulder girdle pain syndromes in elite flatwater kayakers.