The Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Lower Limb Alignment, Upper and Lower Limb Function in Kyokushin Girls

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of core stability exercises in the trunk area on lower limb alignment and lower and upper limb function in Kyokushin athletes. 

The statistical sample of the research included 30 female Kyokushin players aged 14-18 years, who were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. The control group performed common Kyokushin exercises and the experimental group performed core stability exercises for 6 weeks. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests were used to compare between groups and within groups. 

The results of the paired t-test showed a significant effect of training programs on changes in upper and lower limb function in both experimental and control groups (P≤0.05); however, a significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test in both control and experimental group. The test was not observed in the Q angle (P>0.05). The results of ANCOVA test showed that after controlling the effect of the pre-test, a significant difference was observed in lateral jump (P≤0.05) between the experimental and control groups. However, no difference was observed between the two groups in the changes of closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), square jump, and Q angle (P>0.05).

Considering the nature of Kyokushin and the research results, it is suggested that people working in Kyokushin do not feel the need for core stability exercises separately.