Background and Aim: Varzesh-e pahlavāni or Zurkhāneh Sport (Zurkhāneh: home of physical strength) consists of weight-bearing movement patterns that require adequate physical strength and endurance, particularly in the trunk and shoulder regions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of 6 weeks of central stability exercises on trunk endurance, upper limb performance, and balance in Zurkhāneh Sport athletes
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 male Zurkhāneh Sport athletes were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to exercise (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Trunk endurance, static and dynamic balance, and upper-limb performance were assessed using McGill tests, Stork balance stand, Y-Balance test, and Y-test, respectively, before and after intervention. The exercise group performed central stability exercises for 6 weeks, while controls continued their usual activities. Analysis of covariance compared between-group differences, and paired t-tests assessed within-group differences (p≤0.05).
Results: The research showed that central stability exercises had a significant effect on trunk endurance (p=0.001), static balance (p=0.001), dynamic balance (p=0.001), and upper limb function (p=0.001). Also, results related to intragroup comparison showed that there is a significant difference between 2 groups in trunk endurance variables (p=0.001), upper limb performance (p=0.001), static balance (p=0.001), and dynamic balance (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, Zurkhāneh Sport athletes can improve trunk endurance through central stability exercises. Increased trunk endurance may also improve upper limb performance and static and dynamic balance in these athletes.