Effect of Bosu Ball and Pilates Exercises on Core Stabilization among University Cricket Players: An Experimental Study

Background: Cricket players must practice core stabilization to maintain their balance and stability. Cricket performance relies heavily on balance, making it crucial to design programs that assess, maintain, and enhance these skills. Despite the emphasis on core stability in cricket, limited research explores the comparative effectiveness of different exercise interventions, such as Bosu ball and Pilates workouts, on improving balance and core endurance among athletes. Exercise on unstable surfaces, such as the Bosu ball (both sides up), activates core muscles, while Pilates enhances posture, core strength, balance, and peripheral mobility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bosu ball and Pilates exercises on core stability among university cricket players. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 collegiate cricket players participated and were randomly allocated into two groups: Bosu ball and Pilates exercises. Participants' dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, static balance using the Flamingo Balance Test, and core endurance using the McGill Core Endurance Test. Evaluations were conducted before and after a six-week intervention period for both groups. Results: Bosu ball exercises were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01) and more effective than Pilates in improving core stabilization among university cricket players. Conclusion: Both interventions showed improvement in core stability and balance of university cricket players. However, Bosu ball exercises were slightly more effective in enhancing static and dynamic balance compared to Pilates.