Core Exercises and Their Effects on Sprint, Jump, Agility, and Balance in Amateur Soccer Players

University of Yalova

Status: Completed

Conditions: Athletic Performance Improvement Through Core Training

Treatments: Behavioral: Core Exercise Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06942676

CORE2025-SK

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week core exercise program on sprint, vertical jump, agility, and postural sway performance in amateur male soccer players aged 18-23. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (core training) or a control group (regular training). Physical performance tests were conducted before and after the training program. The results are expected to help coaches and sports scientists better understand the performance benefits of core training.

Full description

This randomized controlled study investigated the effects of a 4-week core exercise program on sprint, vertical jump, agility, and postural sway performance in amateur male soccer players aged 18 to 23. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either a core training group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The core training group performed additional core stability exercises three times per week, while the control group continued their regular training routine. All participants completed physical performance tests, including 10- and 20-meter sprint, change of direction test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and postural sway assessment using a force platform. Pre- and post-test comparisons were conducted to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. Ethical approval was obtained from the Gazi University Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2024-1685). The study was designed to help coaches and sport scientists understand how core training may improve athletic performance parameters in amateur football players.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 23 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male amateur soccer players aged 18 to 23 years
• Actively participating in regular soccer training (minimum 3 sessions/week)
• No musculoskeletal injuries within the last 6 months
• Provided informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of lower extremity surgery
• Any neurological or vestibular disorders
• Participation in core training within the past 3 months
• Use of medication that may affect balance or neuromuscular performance

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Core Training Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group received a 4-week core training program in addition to their regular soccer training. The program included dynamic and static core stabilization exercises, performed 3 times per week, each session lasting approximately 25-30 minutes.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Core Exercise Program

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group continued their usual soccer training routine and did not receive any additional core training during the 4-week period.