Evaluation of the Relationship Between Trunk Muscle Endurance, Spinal Mobility and Lower Extremity Stabilization in Volleyball Players (Pilot Study)

This study aimed to investigate the physical performance, balance characteristics, and interrelationships between core endurance and dynamic balance parameters in female volleyball players. Fifteen athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and training characteristics were recorded, and physical performance was assessed using abdominal endurance, Sorenson, lateral bridge, and lateral lumbar flexion tests. Dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test, and postural stability was assessed using the Tetrax posturography system. Descriptive data were presented as median and interquartile range, while relationships between variables were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test. The participants had a median age of 20 years and a median volleyball experience of 9 years. Significant positive correlations were found between abdominal endurance and the Sorenson test (r = 0.745, p = 0.001) and lateral lumbar flexion test (r = 0.722, p = 0.002). The Sorenson test was strongly associated with lateral lumbar flexion (r = 0.764, p = 0.001) and moderately correlated with the lateral bridge test (r = 0.558, p = 0.031). Additionally, abdominal endurance showed a moderate correlation with right posterolateral Y Balance performance (r = 0.531, p = 0.042). No significant associations were observed between balance performance in the left posterolateral direction and core endurance measures (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that core endurance, particularly trunk extensor and abdominal strength, is closely related to dynamic balance performance in female volleyball players.