The importance of strong abdominal muscles to an athlete's performance and injury risk is being explored by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) research student.

Bachelor of Exercise Science (Honours) student Ms Samantha Birse is investigating how the core or abdominal strength of a team sport athlete contributes to the athlete's ability to quickly change direction.

Ms Birse said, "There are assumptions in the health and fitness industry that a stabilised or rigid core and spine can prevent an injury and/or increase athletic performance.

"However, a recent study at Charles Sturt University has found that decreased performance in field-based assessments of agility was associated with rigid trunk during an agility task with defensive opponent.

"This suggests that the core is a vital component of performance, but does not support theories utilised in current strength and conditioning practices incorporating decreased core motion during conditioning drills."

The student is seeking volunteers to participate in her research in the School of Human Movement Studies' Exercise and Sports Science Laboratories at CSU in Bathurst.

"I am interested in men aged between 18 to 35 years who are involved in team sports such basketball, soccer, rugby league, rugby union or Australian rules football.

"The volunteers will receive a free, 3-D motion analysis report of their agility technique and ability to change direction quickly. This is not commercially available to amateur athletes."

Anyone interested in participating in the study, contact Ms Birse on 0477 416 203 or email samantha.birse1993@gmail.com.