Effect of Core Training on Skill Performance Among Athletes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This study aims to present a critical review of the existing literature on the effect of core training on athletes’ skill performance, and to provide recommendations and suggest future research directions for both coaches and researchers.Methods: The data in this study were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. We collected studies in the literature using prominent academic and scientific databases such as Ebscohost, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Only 16 of the 119 studies met all of the inclusion criteria, and were thus included in the systematic review. Each study’s quality was determined using the PEDro scale. The scoring of 16 studies ranges from 2 to 5.Results: Core training could potentially improve skill performance among football, handball, basketball, swimming, dancing, Karate, Muay Thai, gymnasts, volleyball, badminton, and golf players.Conclusion: Compared with the traditional training methods, core training is a new strength training method. Strong core muscles function as hubs in the biological motor chain, which create a fulcrum for the four limbs’ strength and establish a channel for the cohesion, transmission, and integration of the upper and lower limbs. In other words, core training optimizes the transfer and overall control of motion and force to the terminal segment within athletic actions. Meanwhile, core training could increase stability and stiffness in the spine to reduce unrequired “energy leaks” and torso movement during the exertion of external loads. This mechanism could help athletes achieve better skill performance. Therefore, this review suggests that core training should be considered integrated into athletes’ daily training routines.Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/], identifier [INPLASY2021100013].

Effects of Eight-Week Circuit Training with Core Exercises on Performance in Adult Male Soccer Players

“…Although the heterogeneity of studies evaluating the balance performance after core training in players makes it difficult to obtain a statement regarding soccer, it seems clear that at least four weeks of core training performed twice per week could induce benefits in athletes of several sports [ 20 ]. More evidence is needed to establish whether core exercises should be included in soccer season training or during the pre/off-season period.…”

“…Different days were selected to perform strength and balance tests, and 24 to 48 h were given to participants to avoid biased results due to fatigue. According to previous reviews, the following tests were selected [ 13 , 18 , 20 , 43 ]: Y-Balance Test (YB), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball chest press (MBC), curl-up (CU), Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Before performing each test, participants were instructed by a trained specialist who taught them the accurate and safe procedure.…”

“…Additionally, they could facilitate the force transfer between the upper and lower body, increase static and dynamic balance, and improve the execution of specific sports skills [ 10 , 13 , 14 , 17 ]. Consequently, a proper level of core stability and strength could improve sports performance and physical fitness, prevent several musculoskeletal injuries, and optimize training adaptations in athletes [ 12 , 13 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Despite the large diffusion and benefits of core exercises in training programs for individual and team sports, the scientific debate about its efficacy is still open [ 8 , 18 , 20 , 21 ]. Some authors highlighted how core exercises induced positive effects on neuromuscular control, postural stability, trunk muscle strength, and endurance, but it remains unclear whether these improvements could be transferred into sport-specific performance [ 21 ].…”

“…Some authors highlighted how core exercises induced positive effects on neuromuscular control, postural stability, trunk muscle strength, and endurance, but it remains unclear whether these improvements could be transferred into sport-specific performance [ 21 ]. Differently, a recent review showed that the core program could improve specific skills in team and individual sports if practiced at least twice a week for a month [ 20 ]. In addition, a meta-analysis exhibited several benefits for general physical fitness and sport-specific performance after more than 18 short core training sessions [ 18 ].…”