Effects of a Specific Core Stability Program on the Sprint and Change-of-Direction Maneuverability Performance in Youth, Male Soccer Players

Abstract

Although it is recommended to use sport-specific training programs to optimize performance, studies analyzing the effects of the core stability training with high levels of sport-specificity on athletic performance are insufficient and unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the level of specificity of a CORE stability program on specific soccer actions. Fourteen youth players were randomly assigned to the specific core stability group (SCS; n = 7) or the general core stability group (GCS; n = 7). The eight-week intervention consisted of two weekly training sessions added to the usual soccer training. Both groups performed four CORE stability tasks. The SCS group followed the principle of sports specificity, while the GCS group performed CORE stability commons. Ten-meter linear sprinting (Sprint) and change-of-direction maneuverability (V-cut) were evaluated before and after the intervention programs. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in Sprint (d = 0.84 95% CI (0.22, 1.45), p = 0.008) and V-cut (d = 1.24 95% CI (0.52, 1.93), p < 0.001). At posttest, statistically nonsignificant differences were obtained between groups in Sprint (d = 1.03 95% CI (−0.25, 2.30), p = 0.082) and V-cut (d = −0.56 95% CI (−1.89, 0.78), p = 0.370). In conclusion, sprint and change-of-direction maneuverability were improved, but there was no superiority of any type of training.

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

“…The effects of core exercises on performance and physical fitness in different levels of male soccer players have been previously investigated. Training protocol duration and frequency varied normally from six to twelve weeks and from two to four times per week, respectively [ 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 52 ]. Recently, a systematic review and meta-analysis evidenced the efficacy of short-time CT programs (<30′) performed twice a week for at least 18 sessions [ 18 ].…”

“…The EG was submitted to an eight-week core and functional training protocol [ 27 , 31 ]. Training frequency was two sessions per week and the global number of sessions was sixteen, according to previous research that demonstrated benefits in neuromuscular control and performance measures during a similar conditioning period [ 35 ].…”

“…Upper and lower body functional exercises were defined by sport movement patterns [ 38 ]. The three upper body functional movements executed were push, pull, and press, while lower body movements were squat, lunge, and deadlift [ 27 , 31 , 35 ].…”

“…A statistical type I error ( p -value, p ) <0.05 was considered significant. A post hoc analysis was computed to achieve the statistical power for both the matched paired and the two group’s t -test with G*Power 3.1.9.7 for Windows 10 (Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany): for matched paired comparison in the EG the mean ES = 1.368, α = 0.05, n = 11, test two-tailed, 1-β = 0.982; for matched paired comparison in the CG the mean ES = 0.35, α = 0.05, n = 8, test two-tailed [ 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 52 ], 1-β = 0.16; for two independent groups comparisons, the mean ES = 0.99, α = 0.05, n = 19, test two-tailed, 1-β = 0.52.…”

“…As regards team sports, soccer has been classified as an intermittent sport that requests many types of physical abilities, such as strength, power, endurance, balance, and several coordinative and technical–tactical skills [ 22 , 23 ]. The CT and core exercises performed by soccer players showed several positive effects on static and dynamic balance [ 24 ], lower limbs strength [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], speed and agility [ 17 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ], muscularity in the trunk and cross-sectional area [ 17 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 33 ], and flexibility [ 28 ]. However, some authors reported that both static and dynamic core exercises enhanced trunk stability without positive effects on speed, agility and quickness, and lower limb strength and power [ 34 ].…”