Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.
During upwind sailing ("hiking"), Optimist sailors suspend their torso over the windward gunwale, secured only by foot straps over their feet and ankles. This exertion demands sustained isometric contractions of the anterior core, rectus abdominis, quadriceps, and pelvic stabilisers. Inadequate core muscle endurance and deficient postural control compromise boat handling efficiency, accelerate central and peripheral fatigue, and elevate the risk of chronic lower back disorders in young athletes. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either: Experimental Group (CST+TST): Participating in a 12-week standardized CST program (3 sessions per week) in addition to regular Technical Sailing Training (TST). Active Control Group (TST Alone): Participating exclusively in the standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week). The CST program progresses systematically across four 2-week meso-blocks, transitioning from foundational bodyweight stability (Weeks 1-6) to advanced dynamic overload and multi-planar surface instability using small fitness tools (Weeks 7-12), such as fit balls, dumbbells, weight discs, resistance bands, Bosu balance trainers, TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, and ankle/wrist weights.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, \~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.
Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.
Outdoor Open-Water Sailing Facility & High-Performance Athletic Training Center
Foggia, FG, Italy
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper
Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape
Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Core Muscle Endurance
McGill Protocol Battery: Flexor Endurance Test, Biering-Sørensen Extensor Test, Right \& Left Side Bridge Tests measured in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Balance
Y-Balance Test / Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) normalized reach distances (% leg length).
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
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