ABSTRACT

Background Roller skating demands exceptional dynamic balance and agility due to a narrow base of support, continuous centre-of-gravity shifts, and high demands on core control. Although both core stabilization exercises and mat Pilates are widely used to enhance trunk stability, their relative effectiveness in improving skating-specific performance in adolescents has not been directly compared. Purpose To compare the effectiveness of a 6-week core stabilization exercise program versus mat Pilates in improving balance and agility in teenage roller skaters. Materials and Methodology Thirty competitive skaters (12–18 years, BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²) were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 15 each). Group A performed structured mat Pilates and Group B performed core stabilization exercises. Both groups trained 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were Dynamic balance – Y-Balance Test ,For Agility Hexagon Test (time in seconds) and core strength with double leg lowering test . Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Results Both interventions produced statistically significant improvements (p < 0.0001). However, the mat pilates group demonstrated superior gains. Post-intervention comparisons (independent t-test) showed significant between-group differences (all p < 0.00001). Mat Pilates (Group A) produced significantly greater reach distances on the Y-Balance Test compared to core stabilization exercises(Group A) on both the dominant side (93.21 ± 1.74 cm vs. 88.34 ± 1.99 cm) and non-dominant side (87.15 ± 2.25 cm vs. 83.16 ± 1.53 cm), hexagonal Test (13.62 ± 0.22 vs. 12.53 ± 0.30) indicate improved agility and Double Leg Lowering Test (45.31 ± 1.66° vs. 38.79 ± 2.81°), indicating better core strength outcomes. Conclusion mat Pilates are more effective than core stabilization exercises for enhancing balance and agility in teenage roller skaters and should be prioritised in training programmes aimed at performance optimisation and injury prevention. Keywords: Core stabilization, Mat Pilates, roller skating, dynamic balance, agility, Y-Balance Test, Hexagon Test, adolescent athletes
Publication date: 2026/10/01

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10507.pdf

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doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10507