The Effects of Vertıcal and Horızontal Statıc Core Strength Exercıses on Athletıc Performance ın Young Female Handball Players

Core exercises are typically performed in the horizontal plane, whereas athletic activities such as running, jumping, and change of direction (COD) occur in both vertical and horizontal planes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of static core exercises performed in the vertical and horizontal planes on physical performance. Twenty-four female handball players voluntarily participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either a vertical static core (VSC) exercise group (n=12; age: 17,75±0,99 years, height: 171,00±8,66 cm, weight: 66,08±5,97 kg) or a horizontal static core (HSC) exercise group (n=12; age: 17,75±0,75 years, height: 166,75±13,71 cm, weight: 63,33±6,74 kg). A two-group experimental design with a pretest-posttest model was employed. The core exercise protocol consisted of prone plank, side plank (right and left), supine bridge, and bird dog exercises, performed three times per week for eight weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants were evaluated for isometric core strength, 5-20 meter linear sprint performance, vertical jump height, and three different COD performance tests. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess the normality of the distribution. Paired samples t-tests were used to analyze differences between the groups’ pretest and posttest results based on normality assumptions. For between-group comparisons, independent samples t-test was used. The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the VSC and HSC groups in terms of post-exercise performance improvements (p>0.05). However, significant improvements in physical performance parameters were observed within both groups from pre- to post-intervention (p