Abstract:

Rugby is characterized by intense physical contact, requiring strength and central stability. Deficits in central stability result in inefficient techniques, resulting in athletes with susceptible to injury. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 10-session exercises program. As evaluation instruments: Eight Hop Test (EHT) and Side Hop Test (SHT) for balance; lowering of the leg extended for the stability of CORE and sit and reach test at Wells Bank for flexibility. Three evaluations were carried out: the first one before intervention, the second one on the day following the last one session of the program and the third on the eighth day after the end of the intervention. The athletes presented improvements in the EHT after the intervention (p<0.01), and although the results worsened after eight days (p<0.01), they remained better than the initial values (p=0.02). In SHT, there was improvement after the intervention (p=0.02), not remaining after 8 days, returning close to the initial values (p=0.34). There was improvement in the stability of the CORE (p <0.01), being this progressive even after eight days of intervention (p<0.01). Flexibility increased at the end of the program (p<0.01), with maintenance of the results eight days after the end of the intervention (p=0.19). The central stabilization program was effective in improving flexibility, stability of CORE and balance in female rugby athletes.

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