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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(3): 283-290, 2016. In recent years, the effects of chronic core training on athletic performance have been examined with mixed results; however, the acute effects of core training on athletic performance variables have yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between an acute bout of core training and lower extremity maximal strength. Seventeen healthy males (weight 90.1 ± 17.2 kg; height 176.7 ± 11.2 cm; age 20.9 ± 1.3 years) performed maximal deadlift assessments following 2 testing conditions. A general cardiovascular warm-up was used as the control condition, and a mat-based Pilates warm-up was used as the core training condition. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results from a paired-samples t-test showed that the average maximal strength achieved in the Pilates condition (168.6 ± 33.0kg) was significantly higher compared to the Control condition (161.4 ± 31.9kg). These results indicate that an acute bout of core training does have a significant effect on lower extremity maximal strength. Therefore, it may be beneficial to perform core activation exercises, such as Pilates, as part of a warm-up to activate core muscles directly preceding a lower extremity strength exercise.

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