The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical Performance, Balance, and Coordination in Young Football Players
The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical Performance, Balance, and Coordination in Young Football Players
This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, coordination, and core endurance parameters in young soccer players. Soccer is a sport that requires multifaceted skills such as balance, agility, and endurance, and it is well-known that stabilization of the lumbopelvic region (core) plays a critical role in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury.
The study will include male volunteer athletes aged 14-17 years from the Alayköy Football Club Under-17 team in Cyprus. Participants will be randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The exercise group will undergo a progressive core stabilization program (plank, side plank, dead bug, etc.) twice a week for 6 weeks in addition to their routine training, while the control group will continue only with routine soccer training. Data will be collected using the Y-Balance Test, Pro-Agility Test, Squat Repetition Test, McGill Core Endurance Tests (Flexion and Lateral Bridge), and Prone Extension Test. Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0; the Wilcoxon test will be used for within-group changes, and the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for between-group comparisons. Ethical committee approval was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (BAYEK) of the European University of Lefke, and informed consent forms will be collected from participants and their parents.
Inclusion Criteria:
Be a member of the Alayköy Football Club Under-17 football team Be between the ages of 14 and 17 years Be a male football player Be able to participate in training sessions both in person and online Be able to demonstrate regular soccer training participation of at least three days per week Have participated in regular soccer training for at least one year Not have suffered a serious injury, acute health problem, or surgical intervention in the last three months that would prevent sports participation Agree to participate in the study voluntarily Have written informed consent signed by both the participant and parent or guardian
Exclusion Criteria:
Not be a member of the Alayköy Football Club Under-17 football team Be unable to participate in training sessions in person or online Have a history of lower or upper extremity surgical intervention, neurological disease, or serious musculoskeletal system injury within the last six months Demonstrate absenteeism that would interfere with participation in the exercise program or test protocols Fail to complete the test battery due to lack of motivation or cooperation issues during the evaluation process Be enrolled in a structured exercise or rehabilitation program outside the study protocol during the intervention period