Core Stability Training and Athletic Performance in Amateur Footballers

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a core strengthening program on the athletic performance of amateur football players aged 18 to 35. Conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial, the research compares two groups: one undergoing traditional football training combined with a 12-week core strengthening program, and another following only regular training and matches.

Key outcomes include:

Core strength (measured using the Plank Endurance Test), Balance (assessed through the Y-Balance Test), Functional power (evaluated with the Vertical Jump Test), Overall Athletic Performance: Illinois (assessed through Illinois Agility Test)

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention to determine the program's impact on physical fitness and performance. The findings will provide insights into whether targeted core training enhances key physical attributes and athletic abilities, critical to injury prevention, functional capacity, and athletic performance.

This study will investigate the effects of a core strengthening program on the physical fitness and athletic performance of amateur football players aged 18 to 35. Designed as a double-blind randomized controlled trial, the research aims to provide robust evidence on how targeted core training influences key performance indicators, offering practical applications for physiotherapy, sports science, and athletic training.

Study Purpose

Core muscles play a pivotal role in stabilizing the spine, transferring forces, and enhancing movement efficiency during athletic activities. Weakness or instability in the core can lead to suboptimal performance and increase the risk of injuries, particularly in sports like football, where balance, agility, and power are essential. This study seeks to evaluate whether a structured, evidence-based core strengthening program can enhance core strength, balance, functional power, and overall athletic performance in amateur football players.

Methodology

A total of 50 male amateur football players from local clubs will be invited to voluntarily participate in the study. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups:

Experimental Group: Traditional football training combined with a 12-week core strengthening program.

Control Group: Followed only regular football training. The core strengthening program, inspired by McGill's principles of core training, includes progressive exercises performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session will last 15 minutes and will be integrated into the players' regular training schedules.

Assessments

Participants will perform comprehensive evaluations at the beginning and end of the study to measure the following outcomes:

Core Strength: Plank Endurance Test, a validated measure of muscular endurance. Balance: Evaluated with the Y-Balance Test, to assess dynamic balance and agility.

Functional Power: Measured using the Vertical Jump Test, to evaluate lower limb strength and explosive power.

Overall Athletic Performance: Illinois Agility Test, to assess agility..

Expected Impact

The findings are expected to highlight the effect of targeted core training in optimizing physical performance. This study underscores the importance of core stability as a foundational component of athletic conditioning, offering practical applications for physiotherapists, sports scientists, coaches, and athletes aiming to enhance performance and maintain physical health.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male amateur football players aged between 18 and 35 years,
* Active members of local football clubs;
* Medically cleared and physically fit to participate in regular training sessions and matches.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals already engaged in a core strengthening program;
* Participants with injuries or medical conditions that contraindicate participation in the study or could interfere with the intervention.