The Impact of Stabilization Exercises on Postural Stability and Balance in Middle Adolescent

In this study, we examine the impact of stabilization exercises on postural stability in youth aged 17 years. The eight-week experimental program, conducted three times per week, included exercises aimed at strengthening the core musculature, enhancing coordination, and improving proprioception. A control group that followed the traditional content of school physical education served as the baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention. Changes in postural stability were assessed using the eight-directional Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) administered before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics (M, SD) were used to characterize the level of postural stability. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Differences between measurements were analyzed both statistically (paired t-test) and practically (Cohen’s d). The results demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.05) of the experimental program on postural stability, with medium to large effect sizes observed on the left stance leg and small to medium effect sizes on the right stance leg. In the control group, which followed the standard school curriculum, neither statistical significance (p > 0.05) nor meaningful effect sizes (d < 0.06) were confirmed. The structured application of training modalities targeting stability, proprioception, core strength, and coordination exerted a significant influence on the improvement of postural stability and balance in youth. These findings are objectively supported by positive improvements across all assessed movement directions. This contribution is part of the VEGA research project No. 1/0460/23 Postural Health in Children and Adolescents and Possibilities of Its Modification