The Effect of Core Stability Training on Motor Performance of Elite Goalball Players

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of Core stability training on Motor performance of elite Goalball players. Twenty-six elite Goalball players participated in this study. Participants randomly divided into two groups, experimental (n=13) (9 male, 4 female) and control (n=13) (9 male, 4 female) groups. Medicine ball throw distance, throw velocity of the goalball’s ball, Single-leg Triple Hop, Flamingo Balance Test and Y balance test was used for evaluation. Control group received conventional exercise while Study group received 8 weeks Core stability exercises using a Swiss ball exercises. Core stability exercise was conducted three days a week. Both groups before and after the eight weeks of training, participated in Functional test. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA in the 0.05 significant level. Analysis of covariance showed that there is a significant difference in the average adjusted static balance group core stability exercises (M=3.20) and control (2.35) in elite athletes (F (1,23)=33.66 ,P=0.000, η2=0.59). Also there was a significant difference in average adjusted dynamic balance between core stability training (M=79.8) and control groups (M=75.4) in elite athletes (F(1,23)=14.04 ,P=0.000, η2=0.38). Also, there was significant differences between adjusted mean between throw velocity, medicine ball forward throws distances and medicine ball backward throw distances group core stability exercises and control of elite athletes (P=0.001). Result showed there is positive effect of core stability training on motor performance of Goalball players. It is recommended that core stability exercises be used as an effective way to enhance performance and prevention from injury.