The influence of core stability exercises programme on the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system in girls practising volleyball

Abstract

Introduction. High physical fitness requirements in young athletes may lead to physical injuries. This study aimed to determine the influence of a core stability exercise program on the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system in girls practising volleyball. Materials and Methods. 32 female players practising competitive volleyball in the Sport Club SMS Warsaw participated in this study. Group 1 (study group) comprised female volleyball players who, apart from training, performed stabilisation exercises from the developed program. Group 2 (control group) included players who did not perform any additional exercises. The assessment tool was the FMS test, comprising of 7 movement patterns scored on a scale of 0–3. Results. In the studied group of 32 volleyball players, at the first measurement, the average result of the FMS test amounted to 11.38 points. At the second measurement, considerably better results (p<0.001) were observed in the study group. Both the players in the study and control groups obtained the highest possible result of the pectoral girdle mobility test at both measurements. Conclusion. Stabilisation training may have a diminishing influence on functional limitations in women practising volleyball. The use of stabilisation exercises is recommended to prevent traumatic and overload-related bodily injuries.