"Muscle Strength, Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Adolescent Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Study"

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationships between lower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance, and core endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 14-17. A total of 68 rowers (32 females, 36 males) licensed by the Turkish Rowing Federation were included. All participants had a minimum of two years of rowing experience and trained at least four days per week. Lower extremity muscle strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry at angular velocities of 60°/s and 300°/s. Core endurance was evaluated using the McGill Core Endurance Test Battery, including trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral plank tests. Dynamic balance was assessed via the Y Balance Test and normalized to leg length. The study also examined potential sex-based differences in neuromuscular performance and investigated inter-variable correlations among muscle strength, balance, and core endurance. In addition, asymmetry in dynamic balance performance was analyzed as a risk factor for performance and injury. This study is expected to provide practical insights for sports physiotherapists and coaches working with adolescent rowers, particularly in optimizing performance and designing sex-specific injury prevention strategies.