Postural BalanceNCT06966648
Pilot Study on Core Stabilization Training on Stable vs Unstable Surfaces in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts
A study testing Core stabilization on stable surfaces and Core stabilization on unstable surfaces in people with Postural Balance and Motor Skills, run by International Hellenic University at 1 site in Greece.
Trial summary
This pilot randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program performed on stable versus unstable surfaces in young competitive rhythmic gymnasts. Sixteen athletes will be randomized into two groups and will be assessed for changes in static balance and pivot performance. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 7 to 12 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postural Balance, Motor Skills, Physical Fitness
- What is being tested?
- Core stabilization on stable surfaces and Core stabilization on unstable surfaces
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGreece
- Study dates
- 5 May 2025to 15 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 7 to 12 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Female rhythmic gymnasts aged 7 to 12 years
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in rhythmic gymnastics
- Active participation in organized training at least 3 times per week
- No current musculoskeletal pain or injury
- Ability to perform all training and assessment tasks safely
- Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
Who cannot join
- History of acute lower limb or spinal injury within the past 6 months
- Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or vestibular disorders affecting balance
- Concurrent participation in other structured physical training programs outside rhythmic gymnastics
- Any medical condition that would contraindicate participation in physical exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Core Stabilization Training on Balance and Pivot Performance in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This pilot randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program performed on stable versus unstable surfaces in young competitive rhythmic gymnasts. Sixteen athletes will be randomized into two groups and will be assessed for changes in static balance and pivot performance.
Read the detailed description
Rhythmic gymnastics requires high-level neuromuscular control, especially for skills involving balance and rotation. Core stabilization exercises are commonly included in training, but limited evidence exists regarding the impact of surface type on training effectiveness. This pilot study will compare the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program conducted on stable versus unstable surfaces on balance and pivot execution in rhythmic gymnasts aged 7-12. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups and will be assessed pre- and post-intervention on selected balance and pivot tasks in accordance with Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) standards. The study aims to inform future trials by estimating effect sizes and assessing the feasibility of the protocol.
- Conditions
- Postural Balance, Motor Skills, Physical Fitness, Athletic Performance
- Being tested
- Core stabilization on stable surfaces, Core stabilization on unstable surfaces
- Keywords
- Rhythmic gymnastics, Core stabilization, Balance training, Unstable surfaces, Pilot trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core stabilization on stable surfacesOther
Participants will perform a structured core stabilization training program on stable surfaces, such as the floor and rigid foam blocks. The program includes functional exercises targeting trunk control, postural alignment, and balance, delivered three times per week over a 7-week period.
Core stabilization on unstable surfacesOther
Participants will perform the same structured core stabilization training program as the stable surface group, but on unstable surfaces such as BOSU balls and wobble boards. The intervention is designed to challenge balance, proprioception, and core muscle activation. Sessions are conducted three times per week over a 7-week period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stable Surface Group | Active comparator | Participants will perform a core stabilization program on stable surfaces (e.g., floor, foam blocks). Exercises target trunk control and balanc Receives: Other: Core stabilization on stable surfaces |
| Unstable Surface Group | Experimental | Participants will perform the same core stabilization program on unstable surfaces (e.g., BOSU, wobble board). Receives: Other: Core stabilization on unstable surfaces |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Balance Duration
Balance performance will be measured in seconds using a handheld stopwatch (Ultrak 250 Stopwatch Chronometer). Each gymnast will perform three static balance elements (passé, attitude, and side split with help) in relevé position while wearing half shoes. The timer will start once the gymnast achieves final posture and stop when balance is lost, form deteriorates, or the center of gravity shifts. Five trials will be performed for each element, and the longest successful attempt will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.
Measured: Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)
Pivot Performance (Number of Clean Rotations)
Pivot performance will be assessed as the number of clean, full rotations executed without technical faults, based on Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) regulations. Each gymnast will perform two pivot elements (passé forward and attitude) in relevé position while wearing half shoes, maintaining proper form and control. Five attempts will be performed for each pivot type, and the highest number of clean rotations will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.
Measured: Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2025
- Study start5 May 2025
- Primary completion15 Jul 2025
- Study completion15 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postural BalanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- International Hellenic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dimitrios Lytras, International Hellenic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06966648
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- EC-11 2025
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 4 May 2025
- Last updated
- 17 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Core Stabilization Training on Balance and Pivot Performance in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06966648
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EC-11 2025
- Conditions
- Postural Balance, Motor Skills, Physical Fitness, Athletic Performance
- Keywords
- Rhythmic gymnastics, Core stabilization, Balance training, Unstable surfaces, Pilot trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- International Hellenic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This pilot randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program performed on stable versus unstable surfaces in young competitive rhythmic gymnasts. Sixteen athletes will be randomized into two groups and will be assessed for changes in static balance and pivot performance.
Detailed description
Rhythmic gymnastics requires high-level neuromuscular control, especially for skills involving balance and rotation. Core stabilization exercises are commonly included in training, but limited evidence exists regarding the impact of surface type on training effectiveness. This pilot study will compare the effects of a 7-week core stabilization program conducted on stable versus unstable surfaces on balance and pivot execution in rhythmic gymnasts aged 7-12. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups and will be assessed pre- and post-intervention on selected balance and pivot tasks in accordance with Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) standards. The study aims to inform future trials by estimating effect sizes and assessing the feasibility of the protocol.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stable Surface Group | Active comparator | Other: Core stabilization on stable surfacesParticipants will perform a core stabilization program on stable surfaces (e.g., floor, foam blocks). Exercises target trunk control and balanc |
| Unstable Surface Group | Experimental | Other: Core stabilization on unstable surfacesParticipants will perform the same core stabilization program on unstable surfaces (e.g., BOSU, wobble board). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 7 to 12 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Female rhythmic gymnasts aged 7 to 12 years
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in rhythmic gymnastics
- Active participation in organized training at least 3 times per week
- No current musculoskeletal pain or injury
- Ability to perform all training and assessment tasks safely
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of acute lower limb or spinal injury within the past 6 months
- Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or vestibular disorders affecting balance
- Concurrent participation in other structured physical training programs outside rhythmic gymnastics
- Any medical condition that would contraindicate participation in physical exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Core stabilization on stable surfacesParticipants will perform a structured core stabilization training program on stable surfaces, such as the floor and rigid foam blocks. The program includes functional exercises targeting trunk control, postural alignment, and balance, delivered three times per week over a 7-week period. | Other | Stable Surface Group |
| Core stabilization on unstable surfacesParticipants will perform the same structured core stabilization training program as the stable surface group, but on unstable surfaces such as BOSU balls and wobble boards. The intervention is designed to challenge balance, proprioception, and core muscle activation. Sessions are conducted three times per week over a 7-week period. | Other | Unstable Surface Group |
Primary outcome
Balance Duration
Time frame: Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)
Balance performance will be measured in seconds using a handheld stopwatch (Ultrak 250 Stopwatch Chronometer). Each gymnast will perform three static balance elements (passé, attitude, and side split with help) in relevé position while wearing half shoes. The timer will start once the gymnast achieves final posture and stop when balance is lost, form deteriorates, or the center of gravity shifts. Five trials will be performed for each element, and the longest successful attempt will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.
Pivot Performance (Number of Clean Rotations)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)
Pivot performance will be assessed as the number of clean, full rotations executed without technical faults, based on Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) regulations. Each gymnast will perform two pivot elements (passé forward and attitude) in relevé position while wearing half shoes, maintaining proper form and control. Five attempts will be performed for each pivot type, and the highest number of clean rotations will be recorded. All tests will be performed with eyes open.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Jul 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core stabilization on stable surfaces and Core stabilization on unstable surfaces in people with Postural Balance and Motor Skills, run by International Hellenic University at 1 site in Greece.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Greece. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Balance Duration (time frame: Baseline and Week 7 (post-intervention)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Jul 2025.