Trunk muscle endurance and upper extremity performance in healthy adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between trunk muscle endurance and upper extremity performance in healthy adult individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 139 healthy individuals aged between 18-59 were recruited for the study. The McGill Trunk Muscle Endurance Tests, Upper Limb Rotation Test, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, and Upper Extremity Y-Balance Test were evaluated to investigate the correlation between trunk muscle endurance and upper extremity performance. Results: A same-directional and low-level relationship was found between upper extremity rotation test scores and extensor endurance and flexor endurance test scores [r s =0.382; r s =0.329; r s =0.244; r s =0.243; (p<0.001)]. A same-directional and moderate relationship was found between upper extremity rotation test scores and flexor endurance, right and left lateral endurance scores [r s =0.446; r s =0.453; r s =0.460; r s =0.476; (p<0.001)]. A direct low level relationship was found between closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test score and trunk endurance test scores [r s =0.265; r s =0.208; r s =0.319; r s =0.359; (p<0.001)]. Also, a same-directional and low-level relationship was found between upper extremity Y-balance test scores and extensor and flexor endurance test scores [r s =0.275; r s =0.232; r s =0.274; r s =0.361; (p<0.001)]. A same-directional and moderate relationship was found between upper extremity Y-balance test scores and right and left lateral endurance test scores [r s =0.460; r s =0.432; r s =0.503; r s =0.455; (p<0.001)]. Conclusions: The results indicate that as trunk muscle endurance improved in healthy adults, there is a linear increase in upper extremity performance. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the kinetic chain in movements and the significant relationship between upper extremity and trunk stability. Therefore, this study suggests that to enhance individuals’ upper extremity performance, trunk muscle endurance exercises should take place in training programmes.