The effect of core stabilization training on trunk kinematics and serve performance during serve in tennis

Tennis is a sport that includes multi-directional movement patterns. Tennis players need core stabilization in order to perform upper and lower limb movements effectively and to protect spinal cord at the same time. 24 tennis players (12 control, 12 training) joined in this study. Evaluation methods used before and after training period in the study were front and side abdominal power tests and 3 dimensional kinematic analysis. Jeffrey’s progressive core stability program was applied to training group for five weeks. According to obtained data front and side abdominal power and upper trunk extension angle significantly increased in training group (p=0,01). Middle trunk right lateral flexion, left rotation, upper trunk left lateral flexion and racquet velocity at impact increased in training group (p< 0,05), but there was no change in other trunk kinematics between two groups (p>0,05).