Postural ControlNCT07802782
Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors
A study testing Core Strength Training (CST) and Technical Sailing Training (TST) in people with Postural Control and Athletic Performance, run by University of Foggia at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 15 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postural Control, Athletic Performance, Physical Fitness
- What is being tested?
- Core Strength Training (CST) and Technical Sailing Training (TST)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 8 to 15 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Active competitive youth Optimist class dinghy sailors aged between 8 and 15 years.
- Minimum of 2 consecutive years of continuous competitive sailing experience registered with a recognized national sailing federation or licensed sailing club.
- Regular participation in a minimum of 3 technical sailing sessions per week.
- Valid sports medical clearance certificate authorizing participation in competitive athletic training.
- Signed written informed consent provided by parent(s) or legal guardian(s), accompanied by written informed assent from the participant.
Who cannot join
- Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, abdominal wall, lower limbs, or upper extremities within the preceding 6 months.
- Concurrent participation in structured external core or strength training programs outside the trial protocol during the preceding 3 months.
- Neurological, vestibular, or uncorrected visual impairments affecting balance, posturography, or postural control.
- Training adherence rate below 85% of total prescribed sessions over the 12-week interventional period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Italy1 site
Outdoor Open-Water Sailing Facility & High-Performance Athletic Training Center
Foggia, FG, 71122
Giuseppe Cibelli, Prof., +39 320 4394744, giuseppe.cibelli@unifg.it
About this study
Official title: Core Strength Training Influences Anthropometric Profile And Postural Control In Optimist Sailors
Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.
Read the detailed description
During upwind sailing ("hiking"), Optimist sailors suspend their torso over the windward gunwale, secured only by foot straps over their feet and ankles. This exertion demands sustained isometric contractions of the anterior core, rectus abdominis, quadriceps, and pelvic stabilisers. Inadequate core muscle endurance and deficient postural control compromise boat handling efficiency, accelerate central and peripheral fatigue, and elevate the risk of chronic lower back disorders in young athletes.
Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either:
Experimental Group (CST+TST): Participating in a 12-week standardized CST program (3 sessions per week) in addition to regular Technical Sailing Training (TST).
Active Control Group (TST Alone): Participating exclusively in the standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week).
The CST program progresses systematically across four 2-week meso-blocks, transitioning from foundational bodyweight stability (Weeks 1-6) to advanced dynamic overload and multi-planar surface instability using small fitness tools (Weeks 7-12), such as fit balls, dumbbells, weight discs, resistance bands, Bosu balance trainers, TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, and ankle/wrist weights.
- Being tested
- Core Strength Training (CST), Technical Sailing Training (TST)
- Keywords
- optimistic sailing, Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, Youth Athletes, Posturography, McGill Protocol
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core Strength Training (CST)Behavioural
12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, ~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability.
Technical Sailing Training (TST)Behavioural
Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group (CST+TST) | Experimental | 12-week standardized Core Strength Training (CST) program (3 sessions per week) integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST). Receives: Behavioral: Core Strength Training (CST); Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST) |
| Active Control Group (TST Alone) | Active comparator | 12-week standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program alone (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week). Receives: Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper
Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape
Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Core Muscle Endurance
McGill Protocol Battery: Flexor Endurance Test, Biering-Sørensen Extensor Test, Right \& Left Side Bridge Tests measured in seconds.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Balance
Y-Balance Test / Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) normalized reach distances (% leg length).
Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Sep 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postural ControlStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 1:1 parallel allocation ratio between CST+TST vs. TST alone
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Foggia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Anna Antonia Valenzano, University of Foggia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07802782
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CST-OPT-2026-01
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (anthropometric and posturographic parameters) will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Core Strength Training Influences Anthropometric Profile And Postural Control In Optimist Sailors
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07802782
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CST-OPT-2026-01
- Keywords
- optimistic sailing, Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, Youth Athletes, Posturography, McGill Protocol
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FoggiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.
Detailed description
During upwind sailing ("hiking"), Optimist sailors suspend their torso over the windward gunwale, secured only by foot straps over their feet and ankles. This exertion demands sustained isometric contractions of the anterior core, rectus abdominis, quadriceps, and pelvic stabilisers. Inadequate core muscle endurance and deficient postural control compromise boat handling efficiency, accelerate central and peripheral fatigue, and elevate the risk of chronic lower back disorders in young athletes.
Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either:
Experimental Group (CST+TST): Participating in a 12-week standardized CST program (3 sessions per week) in addition to regular Technical Sailing Training (TST).
Active Control Group (TST Alone): Participating exclusively in the standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week).
The CST program progresses systematically across four 2-week meso-blocks, transitioning from foundational bodyweight stability (Weeks 1-6) to advanced dynamic overload and multi-planar surface instability using small fitness tools (Weeks 7-12), such as fit balls, dumbbells, weight discs, resistance bands, Bosu balance trainers, TRX suspension straps, kettlebells, and ankle/wrist weights.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 1:1 parallel allocation ratio between CST+TST vs. TST alone
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental Group (CST+TST) | Experimental | Behavioral: Core Strength Training (CST), Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST)12-week standardized Core Strength Training (CST) program (3 sessions per week) integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST). |
| Active Control Group (TST Alone) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Technical Sailing Training (TST)12-week standardized Technical Sailing Training (TST) program alone (3-4 hours per session, 3 sessions per week). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 15 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Active competitive youth Optimist class dinghy sailors aged between 8 and 15 years.
- Minimum of 2 consecutive years of continuous competitive sailing experience registered with a recognized national sailing federation or licensed sailing club.
- Regular participation in a minimum of 3 technical sailing sessions per week.
- Valid sports medical clearance certificate authorizing participation in competitive athletic training.
- Signed written informed consent provided by parent(s) or legal guardian(s), accompanied by written informed assent from the participant.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries affecting the spine, abdominal wall, lower limbs, or upper extremities within the preceding 6 months.
- Concurrent participation in structured external core or strength training programs outside the trial protocol during the preceding 3 months.
- Neurological, vestibular, or uncorrected visual impairments affecting balance, posturography, or postural control.
- Training adherence rate below 85% of total prescribed sessions over the 12-week interventional period.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Core Strength Training (CST)12-week periodized, circuit-based core training (3 sessions/week, 8 stations, 3 sets, ~30 min/session) progressing from foundational bodyweight stability to dynamic overload and surface instability. | Behavioural | Experimental Group (CST+TST) |
| Technical Sailing Training (TST)Standardized open-water technical sailing training (3-4 hours/session, 3 sessions/week) focusing on hiking postures, boat-handling drills, tactical training, and balance optimization. | Behavioural | Active Control Group (TST Alone), Experimental Group (CST+TST) |
Primary outcome
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Total length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) path (expressed in millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography testing under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Mean Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Mean velocity of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacement (expressed in millimeters per second) recorded during static standing posturography under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions.
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) 95% Confidence Ellipse Area Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Surface area of the 95% confidence ellipse of CoP sway (expressed in square millimeters) recorded during static standing posturography.
Dynamic Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Velocity Measured via Computerized Force Platform
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Center of Pressure (CoP) mean sway velocity (expressed in millimeters per second) measured during dynamic unstable platform oscillations and unipedal stance.
Skinfold Thickness Sum Measured via Skinfold Caliper
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Sum of skinfold thickness measurements (expressed in millimeters) taken at four sites: triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, and abdominal.
Muscle Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Percentage of total body muscle mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from anthropometric equations.
Body Fat Mass Percentage Measured via Anthropometric Assessment
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Percentage of total body fat mass (expressed as % of total body mass) calculated from skinfold thickness measurements.
Waist Circumference Measured via Anthropometric Tape
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Trunk abdominal waist circumference (expressed in centimeters) measured with a flexible metric tape.
2 secondary outcomes
Core Muscle Endurance
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 6), and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Dynamic Balance
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (anthropometric and posturographic parameters) will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author for research purposes.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core Strength Training (CST) and Technical Sailing Training (TST) in people with Postural Control and Athletic Performance, run by University of Foggia at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Anna A. Valenzano, Prof. (+39 347 6401054, anna.valenzano@unifg.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Static Postural Control: Center of Pressure (CoP) Total Path Length Measured via Computerized Force Platform (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 12)). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Sep 2026.