Development and Testing of Trunk Muscle Strength in Athletes with different Training Specializations

Title: Development and Testing of Trunk Muscle Strength in Athletes with Different Training Specializations. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a six-week intervention on trunk strength and core stability in three groups of male athletes with different training backgrounds. Methods: The research sample consisted of 25 healthy men aged 18-35 years, divided into three groups. Group A1 (control) continued their regular strength training without changes in training content. Group A2 (experimental 1) included an aerobic running intervention. Group B (experimental 2) completed their usual boxing training combined with an anaerobic running intervention. Testing was conducted at two time points (pre- and post-intervention) and included four validated field-based assessments of trunk muscle endurance: the trunk flexor endurance test, the side plank, the dynamic side plank, and the prone plank on forearms with an external load corresponding to 10% of the participant's body mass. Results: Statistical significance was set at p < 0.10, a threshold commonly accepted in studies with small sample sizes (Thomas, Nelson & Silverman, 2015). Practical significance was defined as a change of at least 5%, considered relevant in sports practice (Batterham & Hopkins, 2006). The boxing group...