Physical education lessons improve physical fitness and functional mobility in rural children with limited participation in regular physical activities: comparison of integrated neuromuscular training and core stabilization training

Study aim: It is crucial for children to thrive and grow up healthy, but without adequate physical fitness and mobility, this can be difficult to attain. Unfortunately, those living in rural areas are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to access to regular physical activity. However, by including exercise programs in the physical education lessons curriculum, these children can be provided with the opportunity to develop these crucial attributes. This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of core stabilization training (CST) and integrated neuromuscular training (INT) applied in physical education lessons on children’s physical condition and functional mobility.

Material and methods: The study included 30 rural children (CST group: n = 15; INT group: n = 15) who did not regularly engage in physical activity. They underwent one hour of training twice a week for eight weeks in physical education lessons.

Results: At the end of 8 weeks, increases were observed in core stability, right hamstring flexibility, and functional mobility values in both groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: As a result, CST or INT programs applied in physical education lessons may be preferred for the development of physical fitness and physical mobility in children who do not regularly participate in physical activities, and they can provide equal opportunities.