Exercise Science Commons^™

Performance On The Timed Single-Leg Step-Down Test Is Correlated With Hip And Knee Biomechanics As Measured By 3d Markerless Motion Capture, Ghislain Aminake, Anthony Drazick, Christ Focht, Chloe Roy, Emily Clark, Savannah Knighton, Edward Austin, Jeremy Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The timed single-leg step-down (SLSD) test is widely used in clinical and sports settings to assess lower extremity function and injury risk, yet the specific biomechanical determinants of performance on this test remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between performance on the timed SLSD test and hip and knee biomechanics captured by a markerless 3-D motion-analysis system. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy high school athletes with no recent history of lower extremity injury completed a 60-second timed single leg step down test. The number of quality SLSD repetitions (REPS) constituted their SLSD score. …

Performance Characteristics Of National Club Baseball Association Athletes Completing In-Season Elastic Resistance Training, Scott K. Harnden, Dawson M. Maxlow, Gena D. Guerin, Merrick A. Lincoln

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess in-season physical performance metrics of National Club Baseball Association Athletes (NCBA) baseball players before and after a 6-week field-based elastic tubing resistance training intervention. Performance metrics included throwing velocity, isometric shoulder rotation strength, dynamic stability, muscular endurance, and range of motion (ROM). Method: A cohort of adult male NCBA athletes (n=13; 20.1±1.1years; 171.4±24.1cm; 77.0±10.5kg; all right hand dominant) enrolled in the 6-week biweekly intervention of seven upper extremity exercises. All exercises were completed with wrist-affixed elastic tubing prior to sport practices. Pre- and post-intervention testing included throwing velocity measured via pocket …

Muscular Fitness Levels Of U.S. Children And Adolescents, Daniel J. Mcdonough, Yong Gao, Lynda B. Ransdell, Haichun Sun

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: To describe muscular fitness (MF) levels and percentile benchmarks among U.S. children and adolescents aged 6–15 years old across sociodemographic, physiological, and behavioral subgroups. Methods: Data were from the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS). Four strength tests consisting of the plank, knee extension, modified pull-up, and handgrip, were analyzed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, BMI category, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and physical activity (PA) among 1,234 participants (51% male) using SAS SURVEY procedures. Results: Mean ± SEM scores were 69.6 ± 1.8 s (plank), 56.6 ± 4.2 lb (left) and 59.2 ± 4.3 lb (right) knee extension, 5.5 …

Characterization And Response To Exercise Training Of Hdl-Specific Phospholipid Efflux, Eric C. Leszcynski, Charles S. Schwartz, Kiani J.C. Jacobs, Prasun L. Dev, Sujoy Ghosh, Jeremy M. Robbins, Robert E. Gerszten, Anand Rohatgi, Timothy S. Collier, Robert J. Konard, Masaki Sato, Rafael Zubirán, Claude Bouchard, Edward B. Neufeld, Alan T. Remaley, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm

Faculty Publications

The HDL-specific phospholipid efflux (HDL-SPE) assay is a novel cell-free measure of HDL function that is inversely associated with coronary artery disease. However, the effect of exercise training on HDL-SPE is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise training on HDL-SPE in a large, diverse cohort free of overt disease. Clinical and functional measures of HDL were taken before and after 20 weeks of endurance exercise training in 508 participants from the HERITAGE Family Study. Associations of HDL-SPE with HDL-related traits were examined using Pearson's correlations at baseline and following exercise training (significance: P …

Effect Of Hdl Disk And Ldl Dimer Presence On Lipoprotein Particle Number Determination And Subclassification, Zsuzsanna Kuklenyik, Anna A. Ivanova, Lauren E. Drinkard, David M. Schieltz, Jeffrey I. Jones, Kevin Bierbaum, Christopher A. Toth, Michael S. Gardner, Bryan A. Parks, Michael Andrews, Jennifer D. Kusovschi, Jack A. Sultan, Antony Lehtikoski, Jon C. Rees, Wanda I. Santana, Victoria Connor, Eric Leszynski, Robert W. Mcgarrah Iii, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm, William E. Kraus, John R. Barr

Faculty Publications

High-density and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) are established analytical targets for diagnosis and risk stratification of numerous chronic diseases. This study investigates potential sources of bias in lipoprotein particle counting (HDL-P and LDL-P), focusing on the most atheroprotective small-HDL and most pro-atherogenic small-LDL. Plasma samples were fractionated using asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), coupled with hydrodynamic size measurement and comprehensive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of each fraction. Concentration-size profiles were deconvoluted into 10 HDL and 8 LDL Gaussian subspecies. Molecular volume ratios were used to evaluate proposed particle models, providing evidence for the presence of s-HDL disk and …

Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Resilience has been established as a protective factor against mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). From an intersectional perspective, the stressors experienced by Black women living in rural communities are likely to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the challenges and stressors experienced and the resilience resources available to and relied upon by rural, Black women, during the pandemic.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among Black women living in rural South Carolina, recruited by local community health workers, from January to April of 2024. All interviews were recorded, …

Reliability And Score Agreement Of A Modified Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test As Compared To The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test In Healthy Adults, Braden L. Lawson, Jordan Morris, Alan Brubaker Rodriguez, Wendy Wheeler

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a dynamic balance test assessing range of motion, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and strength. The YBT is used to evaluate individuals for increased injury risk, deficiencies, and progress of rehabilitation. Due to the higher cost associated with materials in a YBT kit, a modified YBT (mYBT) was created using three cloth measuring tapes, and three blocks of wood to help mitigate financial barriers. In previous studies the mYBT has demonstrated adequate agreement of composite scores with the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT). The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement of composite scores …

The Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Serum 25(Oh)D And Its Association With Stress Fractures In High-Risk, Physically Active Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Connor Lewis, Martha Yost, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Clinical Scenario: In collegiate athletic and military populations alike, the repetitive and intense training increase the risk of experiencing a stress fracture, representing a significant time loss and financial cost. Research suggests the use of supplemental vitamin D to prevent the occurrence of stress fractures in high-risk adults. Clinical Question: In high risk, physically active adults, does the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration effect the occurrence of stress fractures? Clinical Bottom Line: The findings suggest that clinicians should consider the use of supplemental vitamin D as a protective measure against the occurrence of stress …

A Comparison Of Novel Treatment Interventions To Improve Hamstring Range Of Motion, Sadie Buboltz-Dubs, Brittney Dejong, William S. Gear

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Purpose: Perceived hamstring tightness is a prevalent condition caused by multiple factors, including anterior pelvic tilt and neural tension. Traditional treatments, such as static stretching, do not address these underlying conditions. This study aimed to determine the short-term effectiveness of two neuromuscular treatment techniques for increasing hamstring flexibility compared with a traditional static stretching technique. Methods: Hamstring range of motion was measured using PSLR and AKE pre-and post-intervention for two treatment sessions and again as a single discharge measurement one week after the first treatment session. Three treatments were studied: Primal Reflex Release Technique, Neurodynamic Sliding Technique, Static Stretching, …

Effects Of Functional Ankle Instability On Muscle Activation Latency In Ice Hockey Athletes: A Pilot Study, Nicolas Gonzalez, Tyler A. Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

This study examined lower extremity muscle activation latency during the push-off phase in ice hockey athletes with and without functional ankle instability (FAI). Ten athletes participated, divided into FAI and control groups based on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability scale. Participants completed three push-off trials while wearing electromyography sensors on the tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius. The FAI group demonstrated a significant increase in muscle activation latency across all muscles tested (p

Social Support And Mental Toughness As Predictors Of Perceived Stress Among College Kinesiology Students, Jianmin Guan, Wan Xiang Yao, Xiaofen D. Hamilton, Gaofeng Lu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping, this study examined the associations of age, gender, three types of social support (family, friends, and significant others), and mental toughness with two dimensions of perceived stress (helplessness and coping inefficacy) among 666 college students majoring in Kinesiology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that male college students, as well as those with higher levels of mental toughness and family support, reported significantly lower levels of helplessness and coping inefficacy in managing stress. Additionally, greater support from friends was significantly associated with lower levels of coping inefficacy, while younger students …

Gender Differences In College Students’ Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Social Comparison Beliefs, And External Frames Of Reference, Ken Murfay, Sarah Pyszczynski, Sarah Collins

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined whom college-aged individuals believe observing would more likely increase their physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) for a physical skill, whom they are more likely to compare their abilities to within a physical education (PE) class, how often they compare themselves to others in PE, and what students’ PASE scores were. Based on the mean scores for each question, students were more likely to compare themselves to a student than a teacher, friend than a non-friend, and similar or higher skilled peer than a lower skilled peer. To increase students’ confidence for a physical skill, students had higher levels …

International Society Of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Effects Of Dietary Antioxidants On Exercise And Sports Performance, Drew E. Gonzalez, Broderick L. Dickerson, Brandon M. Roberts, Jennifer A. Kurtz, Adam M. Gonzalez, Matthew J. Mcallister, Jeffrey L. Heileson, Richard J. Bloomer, Shawn M. Arent, Darren G. Candow, Jeffrey R. Stout, Karen A. Hecht, Bill Campbell, Chad M. Kerksick, Douglas Kalman, Jose Antoino, Richard B. Kreider

Faculty Publications

Following a comprehensive review, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has developed an official position on the role of dietary antioxidants in exercise and sport. Antioxidants play a complex, context-dependent role in vivo; they can facilitate recovery from exercise but may also hinder training adaptations when consumed at supraphysiological doses. While endogenous antioxidant systems can effectively maintain redox balance, dietary sources, particularly whole foods, can help mitigate excessive oxidative stress following intense/heavy training or inadequate recovery. The influence of dietary antioxidants depend on timing, dosage, type, and individual factors. The ISSN’s official position encompasses the following: (1) Redox balance …

Obesogenic Behaviors During Structured Periods Among Children And Adolescents With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Keagan P. Kiely, Keith Brazendale, Mckenna Hill, Sarah Burkart, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd, Elizabeth L. Adams Phd, Bridget Armstrong, Christine St. Laurent, Abigail L. Hogan Ph.D., James W. White Iii, Olivia Finnegan, Joshua Culverhouse, Anthony Holmes, Robert Glenn Weaver Med, Phd

Faculty Publications

Background:

Children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk for obesity and poor obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical activity, screen time, diet, sleep) than their typically developing counterparts. The Structured Days Hypothesis (SDH) suggests that in typically developing children and adolescents, obesogenic behaviors worsen during periods of reduced structure (e.g., weekend or summer vacation). However, children and adolescents with IDD have unique factors that may alter how structure (i.e., pre-planned, segmented, adult supervised, out-of-home programs) influences obesogenic behaviors. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine obesogenic behaviors during periods of more …

The Promise Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Stress-Reduction Strategy For Testicular Cancer Survivors' Health-Related Quality Of Life, Michael J. Rovito, Colin F. Mahony, Kamalie Thomas, Keith Brazendale, Ciaran Fairman Ph.D., Cscs, Cet

Faculty Publications

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) disproportionately affects younger men and carries unique psychosocial and physiological consequences that extend well beyond treatment. Despite favorable survival rates, TC survivors frequently report diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). These burdens are often compounded by masculinity-related identity disruptions, fear of recurrence, sexual dysfunction, and a lack of tailored psychosocial support. Existing interventions remain limited, with most programs focused on physical rehabilitation or early detection. Few address the multidimensional stressors that shape the TC survivorship experience.

Aims: This narrative review examines the literature on HRQoL among TC survivors and evaluates the potential of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) …

Association Of Body Fatness With Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, And Myocardial Infarction In A Multinational Pooled Cohort, Vivek Kumar Prasad, Chibueze Ogbonnaya, Hannah Oh, Andrew Atkin, Madison Kindred, Min-Jeong Shin, Dahyun Park, Jin Eui Kim, Mike Loosemore, Vartika Saxena, Ryan Porter, Courtney Kipps, Jason Jaggers, Xuemei Sui M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Carl J. Lavie, Mark Hamer

Faculty Publications

Objective

Methods

Results

Effects Of A Carbohydrate + Caffeine Beverage On Game Performance, Blood Glucose And Perceived Effort In Collegiate Women Soccer Players, Andrew Jagim, Abby Ambrosius, Makenna Carpenter, Joesi Krieger, Lochlan Charley, Jennifer Fields, Margaret T. Jones, Chad Kerksick

Faculty Scholarship

Carbohydrate availability and caffeine ingestion have been shown to elicit improvements in performance independently of one another. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a carbohydrate + caffeine beverage on performance and perceived effort in soccer players. Forty-three collegiate women’s soccer athletes were recruited to participate during a single day of simulated match play, in which each team played once. Athletes consumed either a carbohydrate + caffeine (Experimental) beverage or a control (Control) beverage (flavored water) during half-time in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized control trial design. Prior to and after each game, Ratings of Perceived Exertion …

International Society Of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Effects Of Dietary Antioxidants On Exercise And Sports Performance, Drew E. Gonzalez, Broderick L. Dickerson, Brandon M. Roberts, Jennifer A. Kurtz, Hunter S. Waldman, Adam M. Gonzalez, Matthew J. Mcallister, Jeffery L. Heileson, Richard J. Bloomer, Shawn M. Arent, Darren G. Candow, Jeffrey R. Stout, Karen A. Hecht, Bill Campbell, Chad Kerksick, Douglas Kalman, Jose Antonio, Richard B. Kreider

Faculty Scholarship

Following a comprehensive review, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has developed an official position on the role of dietary antioxidants in exercise and sport. Antioxidants play a complex, context-dependent role in vivo; they can facilitate recovery from exercise but may also hinder training adaptations when consumed at supraphysiological doses. While endogenous antioxidant systems can effectively maintain redox balance, dietary sources, particularly whole foods, can help mitigate excessive oxidative stress following intense/heavy training or inadequate recovery. The influence of dietary antioxidants depend on timing, dosage, type, and individual factors. The ISSN’s official position encompasses the following: (1) Redox balance …

Effects Of Leucine Supplementation On Athletic Performance, Central Fatigue, And Serum Metabolism In Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial And Targeted Metabolomics Study, Tieying Li, Wei Xu, Jun Chen, Zhaobo Kan, Xuemei Sui, Zhiguang Zhao, Qirong Wang

Faculty Publications

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of leucine supplementation on athletic performance, central fatigue, and serum metabolome in endurance athletes, and to provide valuable insights into nutritional strategies for endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: the placebo (PLA) group and the leucine (LEU) group. Subjects were given leucine (8.5 g) + sucrose (14 g) or only sucrose (14 g) supplements twice each day from Monday to Saturday for 6 weeks. Test parameters include body composition, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, blood biochemistry, and targeted metabolomics. Results: After intervention, compared …

More Than A Prescription: The Need For Behavioral Theory To Guide Exercise Interventions For Osteoarthritis - A Narrative Review, Christine Pellegrini, Lisa C. Carlesso, Daniel K. White

Faculty Publications

Objective

Design

Results

Supervised Resistance Training In An Individual With Glioblastoma Undergoing Chemoradiation: A Case Report, Bruce Nakfoor, Ciaran Fairman Ph.D., Cscs, Cet

Faculty Publications

Introduction:

Exercise has demonstrated safety and efficacy in mitigating treatment-related symptoms across cancer populations; however, evidence in neuro-oncology remains limited, particularly during active chemoradiation.

Methods:

We report the case of a 63-year-old individual with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, experiencing symptoms of fatigue, balance issues, headaches, and memory loss, who initiated a 12-week supervised resistance training program during concurrent chemoradiation. Assessments at baseline and post-intervention included physical function and quality-of-life outcomes.

Results:

Adherence was 56% (20/36 sessions), and no adverse events occurred. The patient showed improvements in 6-minute walk distance and short physical performance battery score that exceeded established minimal clinically important …

Strength In Numbers: Exploring The Link Between Upper Body Muscular Strength And Academic Achievement In Youth, Julian A. Reed, Marsha Dowda Drph, Russell R. Pate Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between upper body strength and endurance (UMSE) and academic achievement in youth.

Design

Cross-sectional study included 5th (N = 25,025) and 8th grade (N = 14,988) students in South Carolina.

Methods

Academic achievement was measured using a statewide assessment and classified into two categories (meets/exceeds standards or does not meet/approaches standards). Achievement in mathematics and English Language Arts was assessed. UMSE was measured as part of the South Carolina FitnessGram project and expressed as Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement – Health Risk. Student demographic characteristics were derived …

Cv: Sterling Richards, Sterling Richards

Health Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Dual-Task Effects On Spatiotemporal, Kinematic, And Kinetic Parameters And Their Variability During Running, Hsiang-Ling Teng, Jo Armour Smith, Will F.W. Wu

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Running in real-world environments often requires using cognitive resources simultaneously with the motor task (dual tasking, DT). Limited existing evidence suggests that DT reduces running speed. Movement variability is essential for a healthy, adaptable motor system. DT has been shown to affect movement variability during walking. Nonetheless, it remains unclear how DT affects spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters and their variability during running.

Research question

Does DT affect spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic measures and their variability during running? Does running speed influence DT effects?

Methods

Thirty-one asymptomatic runners participated in this cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional running biomechanics were recorded while …

20% Caloric Restriction Did Not Impact Bone Health Nor Exercise-Induced Elevations In Bone Mass In Young Female Rats, Ken D. Sumida, Brady Slater, Haley Folta, Kassandra Lee, Sarina Karwande, Quinton Wong, S. Victoria Jaque, Frank Frisch

Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Articles

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 6-week 20% caloric restrictive (CR) diet, with or without resistance training, would impact bone health in growing young female rats. Forty female rats (~ 5 wks old) were randomly divided into the following groups: baseline (n = 8), sedentary fed a normal diet (N, n = 8), sedentary fed a 20% CR diet (D, n = 8), resistance trained fed a normal diet (NT, n = 8), and resistance trained fed a 20% CR diet (DT, n = 8). The exercise groups were conditioned to climb a vertical ladder …

Wavelet-Based Mechanomyographic Intensity Responses To Sustained Tasks Anchored To Low Versus High Ratings Of Perceived Exertion, Dolores G. Ortega, Robert W. Smith, Jocelyn E. Arnett, Tyler J. Neltner, Trevor D. Roberts, Justin S. Pioske, Richard J. Schmidt, Terry J. Housh

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Purpose: This study examined the effects of sustained, isometric forearm flexion tasks anchored to ratings of perceived exertion of 2 (RPE2_FT) versus 8 (RPE8_FT) on the wavelet-based mechanomyographic (MMG) intensity responses from pretest and posttest maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) as well as the time course of changes in the MMG intensity responses throughout the sustained tasks. Methods: Eleven men (mean±SD: age=20.9±2.3 yrs) performed MVICs before and after the sustained tasks. The wavelet analyses decomposed the MMG signals onto a set of 11 wavelet bands (WBs). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the MMG intensity …

A196: Prediction Of Cardiovascular Function Improvement Based On Wearable Device Motion Monitoring And Otnmanba-Bilstm Model, Yixuan Li, Lan Zheng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading chronic health conditions worldwide, with prolonged physical inactivity or improper exercise increasing the risk of their occurrence. Existing studies suggest that well-structured exercise interventions can significantly enhance cardiac function and improve the adaptability of the cardiovascular system. However, accurately predicting the long-term impact of different exercise durations and intensities on heart health remains challenging due to individual physiological differences, exercise habits, and lifestyle factors. This study employs a data-driven approach to develop a predictive model based on wearable device motion monitoring data, aiming to elucidate the dynamic relationship between exercise and cardiovascular health and …

A197: Perceptual Behavior And Social Interaction Of Chinese College Students Toward Esports, Xianhua Luo

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Social exchange theory (SET) has been extensively used to recognize students’ perceptual behavior (PB) and social interaction (SI). Research has examined the potential factors of recognition and socialization against the economic factors in individual evaluation, seeking rewards or avoiding costs in relationships. The positive impact of PB and SI is a significant experimental approach to studying social psychology. Therefore, the processes of individuals’ perceptual behavior and their social interactions in Esports might address this research gap. Hence, the purposes of this study were to explain the PBs and SIs toward Esports among college students in China. Method: 341college students were …

A214: Effects Of Tai Chi And Brisk Walking On Sensation In Pn Elders, Qiongqiu Zhao, Qipeng Song

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting 26–39.2% of adults aged 65 and older due to peripheral nerve degeneration and associated conditions like diabetes. PN leads to sensory impairments, including diminished tactile sensation, increased fall risk, and mobility issues. Tai Chi (TC) is a low-impact exercise shown to enhance sensory function and balance in healthy older adults, but its effects on PN patients remain unclear. Brisk walking (BW) is a widely recommended exercise for older adults, yet its impact on sensory function in PN is not well-established. This study compares TC and BW interventions on tactile sensation in …

A088: Best Core Stability Training Program For Lower Limb Dysfunction In Stroke Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis, Kaiqi Zheng, Dan Wang, Guoliang Liang, Chunyun Deng

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Stroke is the third leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death among adults. Lower limb dysfunction caused by stroke significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated that core stability training (CST) can effectively improve lower limb function in stroke patients, and combining CST with other rehabilitation approaches may yield better therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to identify the most effective CST-based combined intervention for treating lower limb dysfunction in stroke patients. Method: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to July 22, 2024, were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, …