Core Training in Amateur Soccer Players

The core region, consisting of muscles that surround the torso, plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the body. Therefore, it is considered essential for maintaining athletic performance in athletes. It is known that the core region is activated before extremity movements in achieving athletic performance. For this reason, core training plays an important role in maintaining optimal extremity movement and improving performance. Furthermore, the importance of core stabilization in preventing injuries is emphasized. Although various studies have been conducted on the importance of core training in athletes, the lack of standardization still makes this issue significant. In this context, this study aims to examine the effect of core strength training, in addition to routine training programs, on jumping, agility, speed, balance, and shooting speed performance in amateur football players.

• Core training (Other): The core training group will receive progressive exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, 3 days a week for 8 weeks.
• Control (Other): The control group will continue with their routine training programs.

Primary outcomes

• Jumping performance [Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)]: A mobile application compatible with the My Jump video camera system will be used to measure participants' vertical jump heights.
• Balance performance [Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)]: Participants' dynamic balance will be assessed using the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Measurements will be taken in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The better the reach, the better the balance performance.
• Agility [Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)]: Agility will be assessed using the T-shaped agility test, which consists of four cones. Agility increases as the time decreases.
• Speed [Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)]: The 20-meter speed test will be used to determine the athlete's speed. Measurements will be taken using photocells placed at the beginning and end of the 20-meter running distance.
• Core endurance [Baseline, After intervention (eight week later)]: For core endurance testing, trunk extensor endurance (Sorenson test), trunk flexor endurance, and trunk oblique muscle endurance tests will be performed.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 35 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being between 18-35 years old
* Being able to communicate in Turkish
* Willing to participate in the training.
* Being a licensed football player

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher
* History of lower extremity surgery in the last 6 months
* Cardiac, musculoskeletal, vestibular, and neurological problems

• Rodriguez S, Hernandez-Alvarez ED, Leon-Prieto C. Core stability training to optimize physical performance in soccer: Scoping review on intervention protocols. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Dec;45:418-430. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.007. Epub 2025 Aug 20. PMID 41316604

• Musa Güneş, PhD, Principal investigator, Karabuk University