This study aimed to examine the effect of core endurance levels on upper extremity
function, muscle strength and reaction time in healthy young adults. The "core" region
functions as a connection point between the upper and lower extremities and enables the
transfer of force from this region to the extremities. This region is a basic structure
where the force required for all movements is generated and transmitted from the proximal
segments to the distal segments. "Core" stabilization has a significant impact on limb
functionality, and stabilization of the proximal segments is necessary to maintain the
mobility and function of the distal segments. To establish a stable base during
functional activities, the "core" muscles are activated before the upper and lower
extremity muscles. This ensures force production and transfer of resulting forces, thus
supporting the mobility of the distal segments. Increasing core stabilization increases
force production in the extremities, and control of core strength, balance and movement
maximizes upper and lower extremity functions. Any impairment in core stabilization
reduces the quality of movement and increases the risk of injury to the upper extremity.
Therefore, it has been stated that "core" stabilization has a significant effect on
athletic performance and upper extremity functions. There are not enough studies in the
literature investigating this effect in healthy young adults. Most existing studies focus
on the role of core endurance on athlete performance.

The aim of this study is not only to investigate core endurance levels in healthy young
adults but also to examine the effect of core endurance levels on upper extremity
function, muscle strength and reaction time.

Core Endurance in Healthy Young Adults

Health Risk Behaviors

The "core" region is depicted as a box or cylinder and includes the spine, hips, pelvis,
proximal lower extremities, and abdominal structures. This region consists of the
abdominals, gluteals, paraspinals, diaphragm, oblique abdominals, pelvic floor and hip
girdle muscles. These muscles provide stabilization on the trunk and spine during
movement or at rest. The "core" region consists of 29 pairs of muscles and these muscles
are classified according to their anatomical and functional features. Bergmark developed
a model by categorizing the "core" muscles as local and global. Local muscles provide
stabilization between spinal segments, while global muscles are activated according to
the direction of movement. The coordinated work of local and global muscles affects the
quality of movements and "core" stability. "Core" muscles influence functional activities
and functioning of the extremities by providing a stable basis for extremity movements
and force transmission.

While core strength is defined as the muscular control mechanism that ensures functional
stabilization of the spinal column, core endurance refers to the continuity of this
control. Core endurance, a component of core stabilization, occurs when the
lumbo-pelvic-hip muscles perform core contraction for a certain period of time or
repeatedly. Although core strength plays a role by increasing internal-abdominal pressure
to create resistance, core endurance allows muscles and muscle groups to remain in a
stable position for a certain period of time. According to Lehman, core endurance affects
spinal stabilization more than muscular strength due to the capacity of local core
muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine. The "core" region functions as a connection point
between the upper and lower extremities and enables the transfer of force from this
region to the extremities. This region is a basic structure where the force required for
all movements is generated and transmitted from the proximal segments to the distal
segments.

During childhood and adolescence, physical and physiological changes vary suddenly
depending on age and gender and last between the ages of 15-17. After the age of 18,
change becomes regulated and physiological and performance values reach their maximum
between the ages of 20-30. After the age of 30, functional capacity and other
physical-physiological characteristics begin to decrease. The most important of these
changes is the change in the skeletal-muscular system. Muscles develop from birth and
reach their maximum level at the age of 25-30. As age progresses, the strength and
cross-sections of muscle groups decrease. This decrease occurs faster in people who live
sedentary lives.

The upper extremity is the primary tool humans use to manipulate the environment and has
a wide range of capabilities with the same basic anatomical structures as the arm,
forearm, hand, and fingers. In the upper extremity, mobility is more important than
stability, and therefore the coordinated interaction of the shoulder complex, the
functional unit of the upper extremity that enables movement relative to the trunk,
provides sufficient stability despite high degrees of mobility. The primary function of
the shoulder complex is to position the upper extremity so that the hand can function.
The primary role of the elbow joint is to shorten or lengthen the length of the upper
extremity. The hand is the structure responsible for performing the functions of the
upper extremity and can perform many different activities as a manipulator and a means of
communication. These activities require various characteristics such as positioning,
strength, and precision, increasing their structural complexity compared to other joints
of the upper extremity. However, there is a remarkable degree of synergy between these
structures.

Reaction is the process by which an organism perceives and responds to stimuli. This
process includes the stages in which muscles transmit impulses to the central nervous
system (CNS) via afferent nerves, after the CNS decides which response to give, it sends
this information back to the muscles via efferent nerves, and the muscles take action
based on this information. Reaction time refers to the time between the moment a stimulus
reaches the organism and the organism's response to this stimulus. Reaction time refers
to the time it takes for an organism to respond to a particular stimulus and is generally
divided into two main categories: simple and complex (complex) reaction time. Simple
reaction time refers to the process of responding to a single stimulus. It can affect
important physical parameters such as core endurance, upper extremity muscle strength,
function and reaction time. However, there are not enough studies in the literature
investigating this effect in healthy young adults. Most existing studies focus on the
role of core endurance on athlete performance. The relationship between core endurance
levels and upper extremity muscle strength, function and reaction time in healthy young
adults has not yet been examined. The aim of our research is to examine the effect of
core endurance levels on upper extremity function, muscle strength and reaction time in
healthy young adults.

Investigation of the Effect of Core Endurance Levels on Upper Extremity Function, Muscle Strength and Reaction Time in Healthy Young Adults

It is used to evaluate the endurance of the muscles (especially the obliques) located on
the lateral side of the body. The individual lies sideways on the dominant side. When he
is ready, he lifts his hips and stands on his forearm as long as he can, with his body in
a single line, without any command. He puts his free hand on the opposite shoulder. The
time period during which the position is maintained is recorded in seconds.

It is used to evaluate the endurance of all core stabilization muscles together. The
individual lies face down on his knees and forearms. When he is ready, he raises his
knees so they are parallel to the ground and stands on his forearms and fingertips,
without commands. The time it maintains the position is recorded in seconds.

It is used to evaluate the endurance of the trunk flexors, especially the abdominal
muscles. The individual is in a supine position. When he is ready, he pulls his knees to
his stomach so that they are parallel to the ground, without any command, and at the same
time, with his arms tied, he lifts his upper body so that the lower end of the scapula
lifts off the ground. The time it can maintain the position is recorded in seconds.

It is used to evaluate the endurance of the back extensors. The individual lies face down
on a stretcher high off the ground, with the upper body hanging off the bed. The
individual's body part that comes into contact with the bed is positioned so that the
anterior superior iliac spine is located. He maintains his balance with the help of a
chair with his hands. The physiotherapist stabilizes the patient's legs. When the
individual is ready, he crosses both hands on his shoulders and takes a position parallel
to the ground, without taking any commands. The time it can maintain the position is
recorded in seconds.

Director

The Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) is a test developed by J. Tiffin at Purdue University in
1948 to measure gross and fine motor skills of the hand, fingers, and arm. For the test,
a test board with dimensions of 58.5x 29x 2.2 cm, 50 nails, 40 metal washers, small pipes
through which the nails can pass and a stopwatch are used. The test board has four
compartments and holes to insert the nails. The test consists of four subtests: Right
hand, left hand, two hands and two hand team building. In each subtest, nails are placed
into the holes within 30 seconds, starting with the dominant hand. In the last subtest,
nails, washers and rings are placed as a set with both hands within 1 minute.

A digital dynamometer will be used to measure muscle strength. Individuals are placed in
standard positions and the dynamometer will be placed at standard points. Individuals
will be asked to show maximum resistance against the dynamometer. For this purpose, a
trial application will be made first. A 1-minute rest period will be given after each
measurement. Measurements will be repeated 3 times and the highest value will be
recorded. Measurements will be made for shoulder flexion and shoulder abduction muscle
strength in both upper extremities. The average of the measurements will be used as data.
To evaluate shoulder flexion muscle strength, the patient lies in a sitting position on a
chair, with the shoulder in 90° flexion, the elbow and wrist in neutral, and the forearm
in pronation. To assess shoulder abduction, the patient sits on the examination table or
chair and the arm is held in 90° abduction from the body midline.

Nelson hand reaction test is a test that measures hand reaction time using a ruler. In
the test, the participant sits and holds his hand on the table and spreads his fingers
8-10 centimeters away from the table, with his thumb and index fingers parallel. The
tester holds the ruler at the level of the participant's thumb and index finger and asks
the participant to look at the middle of the ruler. When ready, he puts the ruler down
and asks the participant to catch the ruler. The point where the ruler is captured
indicates the participant's reaction time. The test is repeated five times and the two
highest and lowest values are subtracted. Reaction time is calculated by taking the
average of the remaining three values.

Core Endurance in Healthy Young Adults

About this trial

Study ID

Status

Type

Placebo

Accepting

Trial Timing

What is this trial about?

What are the participation requirements?

Locations

Location

Status