Core Muscle WeaknessRCT-EMG-US-QoLNCT07025395
"CORE Training for Musculoskeletal Health: A Study on Adaptive Exercise Protocols"
A study testing - Core Training Protocol in people with Core Muscle Weakness and Postural Control Deficit, run by Ioannis Tsartsapakis at 1 site in Greece.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Core Muscle Weakness, Postural Control Deficit, Trunk Stability Impairment
- What is being tested?
- - Core Training Protocol
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGreece
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 15 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 25 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 25-35 years
- Physically active (≥3 sessions/week, ≥1 hour per session) for ≥2 years
- No known musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders
- No engagement in structured core training programs
- Available to attend all evaluation appointments
- Able and willing to commit to the 8-week intervention program
Who cannot join
- Medical conditions that limit full-body or trunk movement
- Cardiovascular/metabolic conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise
- Current participation in Pilates, CrossFit, or other core-specific protocols
- Recent musculoskeletal injury affecting training eligibility
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Greece1 site
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Serres Campus - Neuromechanics Laboratory
Serres, Central Makedonia, 62100
Ioannis Principal Investigator, Ph.D./MSc, 00306982906442, ioantsar@phed-sr.auth.gr
Maria Gerou, MSc, 00306943566550, miamixan@hotmail.com
About this study
Official title: Development and Implementation of a Core Training Protocol: Effects on Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy, Balance, and Quality of Life in Recreationally Active Adults
This study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Forty recreationally active adults with a minimum of two years of consistent training experience will participate. The structured intervention will span multiple weeks and utilize electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging, and validated questionnaires to assess neuromuscular and functional adaptations.
Read the detailed description
Extended Detailed Description - Study Rationale and Objectives Core stability is a foundational component of human movement, contributing to postural control, balance, and force transmission. The deep and superficial muscle systems of the trunk function synergistically to enhance spinal alignment, movement efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.
In modern health science, core training has evolved into a key preventative strategy that supports spinal resilience and reduces functional limitations associated with sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary protocols often integrate trunk bracing, diaphragmatic engagement, and multi-planar control for comprehensive development.
This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effects of an eight-week progressive core training program in recreationally active adults. The protocol combines components of neuromuscular control, strength development, and high-intensity power work, and aims to assess outcomes related to muscle activation, balance, segmental coordination, and perceived well-being.
Study Design \& Participants Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving the full protocol) or a control group (minimal activity). All procedures will take place at the Neuromechanics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Serres Campus). Forty adults between 25-35 years old who meet physical activity and health-related eligibility criteria will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to randomization.
Core Training Structure The program consists of a warm-up (~6 min), a main core-focused session (~30-32 min), and a cool-down (~5 min). Training follows a triad structure in which each set includes one stability, one strength, and one power-based core exercise. Work intervals are set to 45 seconds, with progressive recovery. All sessions are designed to follow a logical kinetic chain progression: from motor control to peak force expression.
Measurements \& Instrumentation Pre- and post-testing includes validated assessments of ground reaction force, muscle activation, ultrasound-measured hypertrophy, video-based kinematic analysis, body measurements, and psychometric indices of well-being. Instrumentation includes force platforms, surface EMG, ultrasound imaging systems, motion capture tools, and standardized questionnaires.
Anticipated Outcomes The intervention is expected to improve neuromuscular efficiency, postural control, force production, core muscle thickness, and overall movement confidence. Enhanced trunk function may contribute to greater kinetic chain integration and better quality of life.
Broader Impact and Applicability Due to its equipment-light structure and progressive difficulty, this training protocol is well-suited for application in clinical rehabilitation, fitness centers, or at-home settings under professional supervision. The triad design offers educational value for exercise professionals seeking to integrate functional core sequencing into their practice.
This trial contributes to ongoing research on motor control strategies, force adaptation, sensorimotor integration, and holistic well-being. Insights gained may inform interventions in athletic populations, workplace health promotion, and functional aging.
- Conditions
- Core Muscle Weakness, Postural Control Deficit, Trunk Stability Impairment, Functional Performance Limitation
- Being tested
- - Core Training Protocol, Control Group Core Routine
- Keywords
- Core Training, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Muscle Hypertrophy, Electromyography, Ultrasound Imaging, Functional Performance, Life Satisfaction
- Medical subject headings
- Personal Satisfaction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
- Core Training ProtocolBehavioural
This structured training intervention incorporates progressive core exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular activation, balance, and muscle hypertrophy. Participants perform eight exercise triads per session, progressing from core stability drills to high-intensity power movements over eight weeks.
Control Group Core RoutineBehavioural
Control group participants engage in general core activation exercises twice per week, without progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular adaptation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol | Experimental | Participants in this arm will follow an eight-week structured core training protocol designed to enhance neuromuscular adaptations, core muscle hypertrophy, and biomechanical performance. The program incorporates progressive core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises, ensuring gradual intensity scaling and optimized movement efficiency. Training sessions include warm-up, eight structured triads of core exercises, and a cool-down phase. Assessments will track electromyographic activity, ultrasound muscle imaging, balance performance, and kinetic chain optimization. Receives: Behavioral: - Core Training Protocol |
| Control Group - Standardized Core Routine | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will engage in a standardized core exercise routine performed twice per week. The intervention will not include progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular activation techniques. Control group participants will perform basic abs and back exercises to maintain general core function without targeted adaptations. The purpose of this arm is to serve as a baseline comparison for neuromuscular, biomechanical, and psychological assessments between groups. Receives: Behavioral: Control Group Core Routine |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam
Surface EMG recordings will assess neuromuscular activation in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles. Measurements will be conducted pre- and post-intervention using Biopac Systems Inc. electrodes and TEL100 M transmitter, with signals filtered between 10-500 Hz. Data will be analyzed via Acknowledge software to determine training-induced improvements in core muscle activity patterns.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Ultrasound-Based Core Muscle Hypertrophy Assessment
B-mode ultrasound imaging (Aloka ProSound SSD 3500 SV) will evaluate changes in muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and lumbar multifidus (LM) at rest. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will quantify hypertrophic adaptations induced by structured core training."
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Balance & Postural Stability Evaluation (Force Plate Analysis)
Static and dynamic balance assessments will be conducted using a Kistler 3D dynamometer, with center-of-pressure displacement analyzed pre- and post-intervention. Improvements in balance metrics are expected to reflect enhanced neuromuscular control and stability.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale - SWLS)
The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) will be used to assess subjective well-being before and after the intervention. The scale consists of 5 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 5 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater life satisfaction.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jun 2025
- Study start1 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion28 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Core Muscle WeaknessStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study employs a parallel-group design with randomized allocation. Participants are divided into an experimental group undergoing an eight-week core training protocol and a control group following a standardized core-related routine. The interventional group receives structured progressive stability, strength, and power-focused exercises, while the control group engages in general core activation without targeted neuromuscular training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluate neuromuscular function, balance, biomechanical efficiency, and life satisfaction.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ioannis Tsartsapakis
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki
- Investigators
- Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D., Principal investigator, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07025395
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AUTH-CORE-STUDY
- Acronym
- RCT-EMG-US-QoL
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 10 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: Currently, there are no plans to share individual participant data (IPD). However, anonymized datasets may be made available upon institutional approval for future research focusing on neuromuscular adaptations, biomechanics, and core training effects.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Development and Implementation of a Core Training Protocol: Effects on Muscle Activation, Hypertrophy, Balance, and Quality of Life in Recreationally Active Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07025395
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCT-EMG-US-QoL / AUTH-CORE-STUDY
- Conditions
- Core Muscle Weakness, Postural Control Deficit, Trunk Stability Impairment, Functional Performance Limitation
- Keywords
- Core Training, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Muscle Hypertrophy, Electromyography, Ultrasound Imaging, Functional Performance, Life Satisfaction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ioannis TsartsapakisUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 28 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Jun 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 study aims to evaluate the effects of an adaptive core training protocol that integrates core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises on muscle activation, hypertrophy, balance, and quality of life. Forty recreationally active adults with a minimum of two years of consistent training experience will participate. The structured intervention will span multiple weeks and utilize electromyography (EMG), ultrasound imaging, and validated questionnaires to assess neuromuscular and functional adaptations.
Detailed description
Extended Detailed Description - Study Rationale and Objectives Core stability is a foundational component of human movement, contributing to postural control, balance, and force transmission. The deep and superficial muscle systems of the trunk function synergistically to enhance spinal alignment, movement efficiency, and musculoskeletal integrity.
In modern health science, core training has evolved into a key preventative strategy that supports spinal resilience and reduces functional limitations associated with sedentary lifestyles. Contemporary protocols often integrate trunk bracing, diaphragmatic engagement, and multi-planar control for comprehensive development.
This randomized, controlled trial evaluates the effects of an eight-week progressive core training program in recreationally active adults. The protocol combines components of neuromuscular control, strength development, and high-intensity power work, and aims to assess outcomes related to muscle activation, balance, segmental coordination, and perceived well-being.
Study Design \& Participants Participants will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving the full protocol) or a control group (minimal activity). All procedures will take place at the Neuromechanics Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Serres Campus). Forty adults between 25-35 years old who meet physical activity and health-related eligibility criteria will complete baseline and post-intervention assessments. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to randomization.
Core Training Structure The program consists of a warm-up (~6 min), a main core-focused session (~30-32 min), and a cool-down (~5 min). Training follows a triad structure in which each set includes one stability, one strength, and one power-based core exercise. Work intervals are set to 45 seconds, with progressive recovery. All sessions are designed to follow a logical kinetic chain progression: from motor control to peak force expression.
Measurements \& Instrumentation Pre- and post-testing includes validated assessments of ground reaction force, muscle activation, ultrasound-measured hypertrophy, video-based kinematic analysis, body measurements, and psychometric indices of well-being. Instrumentation includes force platforms, surface EMG, ultrasound imaging systems, motion capture tools, and standardized questionnaires.
Anticipated Outcomes The intervention is expected to improve neuromuscular efficiency, postural control, force production, core muscle thickness, and overall movement confidence. Enhanced trunk function may contribute to greater kinetic chain integration and better quality of life.
Broader Impact and Applicability Due to its equipment-light structure and progressive difficulty, this training protocol is well-suited for application in clinical rehabilitation, fitness centers, or at-home settings under professional supervision. The triad design offers educational value for exercise professionals seeking to integrate functional core sequencing into their practice.
This trial contributes to ongoing research on motor control strategies, force adaptation, sensorimotor integration, and holistic well-being. Insights gained may inform interventions in athletic populations, workplace health promotion, and functional aging.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study employs a parallel-group design with randomized allocation. Participants are divided into an experimental group undergoing an eight-week core training protocol and a control group following a standardized core-related routine. The interventional group receives structured progressive stability, strength, and power-focused exercises, while the control group engages in general core activation without targeted neuromuscular training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluate neuromuscular function, balance, biomechanical efficiency, and life satisfaction.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol | Experimental | Behavioral: - Core Training ProtocolParticipants in this arm will follow an eight-week structured core training protocol designed to enhance neuromuscular adaptations, core muscle hypertrophy, and biomechanical performance. The program incorporates progressive core stability, core strength, and high-intensity core power exercises, ensuring gradual intensity scaling and optimized movement efficiency. Training sessions include warm-up, eight structured triads of core exercises, and a cool-down phase. Assessments will track electromyographic activity, ultrasound muscle imaging, balance performance, and kinetic chain optimization. |
| Control Group - Standardized Core Routine | Active comparator | Behavioral: Control Group Core RoutineParticipants in this arm will engage in a standardized core exercise routine performed twice per week. The intervention will not include progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular activation techniques. Control group participants will perform basic abs and back exercises to maintain general core function without targeted adaptations. The purpose of this arm is to serve as a baseline comparison for neuromuscular, biomechanical, and psychological assessments between groups. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 25-35 years
- Physically active (≥3 sessions/week, ≥1 hour per session) for ≥2 years
- No known musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders
- No engagement in structured core training programs
- Available to attend all evaluation appointments
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Medical conditions that limit full-body or trunk movement
- Cardiovascular/metabolic conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise
- Current participation in Pilates, CrossFit, or other core-specific protocols
- Recent musculoskeletal injury affecting training eligibility
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 Training ProtocolThis structured training intervention incorporates progressive core exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular activation, balance, and muscle hypertrophy. Participants perform eight exercise triads per session, progressing from core stability drills to high-intensity power movements over eight weeks. | Behavioural | Experimental Group - Progressive Core Training Protocol |
| Control Group Core RoutineControl group participants engage in general core activation exercises twice per week, without progressive intensity or specialized neuromuscular adaptation. | Behavioural | Control Group - Standardized Core Routine |
Primary outcome
Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Surface EMG recordings will assess neuromuscular activation in the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles. Measurements will be conducted pre- and post-intervention using Biopac Systems Inc. electrodes and TEL100 M transmitter, with signals filtered between 10-500 Hz. Data will be analyzed via Acknowledge software to determine training-induced improvements in core muscle activity patterns.
3 secondary outcomes
Ultrasound-Based Core Muscle Hypertrophy Assessment
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Balance & Postural Stability Evaluation (Force Plate Analysis)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Psychometric Evaluation of Life Satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life Scale - SWLS)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2025.
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres AUTHLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. Currently, there are no plans to share individual participant data (IPD). However, anonymized datasets may be made available upon institutional approval for future research focusing on neuromuscular adaptations, biomechanics, and core training effects.
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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.
Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D. principal investigator
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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 Training Protocol in people with Core Muscle Weakness and Postural Control Deficit, run by Ioannis Tsartsapakis 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ph.D. (00306982906442, ioantsar@phed-sr.auth.gr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Electromyographic (EMG) Muscle Activation During Medicine Ball Overhead Slam (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)). 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 25 Jun 2025.