This cross-sectional observational study aims to compare trunk mobility, lower extremity flexibility, and functional balance performance across different sports branches in adolescent elite male athletes. Trunk mobility will be assessed using a digital inclinometer in flexion, extension, and rotational movements; hamstring flexibility will be evaluated using the Straight Leg Raise test; and functional balance will be measured using the normalized Y-Balance Test. The study seeks to identify sport-specific biomechanical characteristics and potential indicators related to injury risk and performance adaptations in adolescent competitive athletes.
Adolescent elite athletes are exposed to sport-specific mechanical loading patterns that may lead to adaptations in trunk mobility, flexibility, and dynamic balance control. These biomechanical characteristics may differ between sports branches due to variations in postural demands, training volume, movement strategies, and neuromuscular control mechanisms. Understanding inter-sport differences may contribute to performance optimization and preventive rehabilitation approaches in youth athletics. This study is designed as a cross-sectional, observational, and multi-group comparative investigation including elite adolescent male athletes from different sports branches. All participants will undergo standardized clinical and biomechanical assessments. Trunk mobility will be measured using a digital inclinometer in flexion, extension, and rotation at the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar regions. Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the passive Straight Leg Raise test, and functional balance will be evaluated using the Y-Balance Test composite score normalized to limb length. The primary objective of the study is to compare functional balance performance across sports branches. Secondary objectives include comparing trunk mobility and hamstring flexibility measures and examining potential associations among these biomechanical parameters. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based insight into sport-specific musculoskeletal characteristics and may support the development of targeted screening and injury-prevention strategies for adolescent elite athletes.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
85
No intervention is administered in this study. Participants only undergo standardized observational assessments, including trunk mobility measurements using a digital inclinometer, hamstring flexibility testing with the Straight Leg Raise test, and functional balance evaluation using the Y-Balance Test. No therapeutic or experimental procedures are applied.
Burcin Ugur Tosun
Famagusta, Cyprus
RECRUITINGY-Balance Test Composite Score (%)
Dynamic functional balance performance assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Composite score is calculated from normalized anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances on the dominant limb.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment at study enrollment)
Trunk Mobility - Inclinometer Range of Motion (°)
Spinal mobility measured using a digital inclinometer in flexion, extension, and rotation at the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar regions. Values are recorded in degrees on the dominant side.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment at study enrollment)
Hamstring Flexibility - Straight Leg Raise Angle (°)
Passive Straight Leg Raise test performed on the dominant lower extremity using a goniometer. The maximum tolerated angle is recorded in degrees.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment at study enrollment)
Body Composition (Descriptive Variable)
Body fat percentage
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment at study enrollment)
Body Composition (body mass index)
body mass index obtained using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device (profiling purpose only; not included as a primary outcome).
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment at study enrollment)
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