Effect of Core Strength Training on the Physical Fitness and Skills of Youth Field Hockey Players in China

Hockey, tracing its origins back to 2000 BC, has undergone substantial evolutionary transformations throughout the centuries. Initially known by various names, the game transitioned to its modern form approximately 50 years ago, when matches were conducted on grass fields with wooden sticks. In contemporary international hockey, there has been a notable shift towards artificial grass, cultivating a dynamic and fast-paced game that places heightened demands on individual skills, tactical acumen, and physical fitness. This evolution reflects a continuous adaptation, seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge equipment and hybrid playing grounds.

Against this backdrop, modern-day hockey programs have metamorphosed into rigorous and demanding training regimes. Athletes engaged in these programs are required not only to demonstrate outstanding physical fitness but also exhibit a high level of proficiency in the nuanced skills essential for competitive play. As hockey continues its progressive trajectory, athletes partaking in these programs must meet elevated standards, underscoring the imperative integration of both exceptional fitness levels and precise skill execution.

Despite the growing emphasis on the physical and skill dimensions of hockey, a literature review uncovered a dearth of research specifically focusing on core strength training for hockey players. While core strength training has demonstrated efficacy in improving physical fitness and skill performance among athletes in other team sports, its applicability to hockey players remains underexplored. Moreover, no studies have systematically examined the impact of core strength training on the two critical variables of physical fitness and skill performance in hockey players.

To address this research gap, the present study sought to investigate the effects of core strength training on the physical fitness and skill performance of youth hockey players in Gansu Province, China. By doing so, this study not only contributes valuable insights to the existing body of literature but also furnishes theoretical support for the development of hockey sport programs. The findings are anticipated to inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing athletes' physical fitness and skill performance, ultimately fostering the progression of hockey programs within the sporting landscape of China.

present study employed a two-group design consisting of a Control Group (CG) and an Experimental Group (EG). The training trial extended over 12 weeks, with sessions scheduled three (3) times weekly, each lasting one hour (1). The training regimen was organized into four distinct stages：beginner (1-3 weeks), intermediate (4-6 weeks), upper intermediate (7-9 weeks) and advanced (10-12 weeks).

Since the participants were young male athletes instead of adults, special attention was devoted to calibrating training intensity. Consistent with existing research, the intensity of strength training was designed to gradually escalate from low to high, adhering to the principle of training specificity (Faigenbaum et al., 2012; Harries et al., 2016). The recommended intensity levels were set at 60% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM), progressing to 70% and 80% 1RM(Brown,2007). This careful structuring of the program aimed to adapt the core strength training to the physiological characteristics and needs of youth athletes, ensuring both efficacy and safety throughout the trial period.Therefore, I invite experts to evaluate and score the experiment design, helping me do this experiment better.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

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This study was conducted with male hockey players from Gansu Sports School and Linxia Sports School. Before recruiting the subjects, the researcher needed to inform the subjects of the proposed study and what they needed to participate in. After informing the subjects, the subjects will be allowed to ask questions. Various criteria and requirements for participation in this study are explained during the session. The inclusion criteria for potential participants were as follows:

1. Male
2. Aged 15 to 17 years
3. Reside in Gansu Province, China
4. Healthy
5. Two years of training experience

Exclusion Criteria:

1. on medication which may affect body composition and muscles activity like Diabetes Mellitus
2. Currently participating in regular resistance training