Core Muscle Strength Training of Young Soccer Players

Abstract

Introduction Core strength training is a modern method of approach that matches the current demand for a more resilient physique on young players. Although it was initially conceived as complementary training to contribute to strength and agility, other benefits have been observed for soccer athletes nowadays. Among the under-explored benefits is the effect on the athletes’ stability. Objective This article explores core training results on stability in young soccer players. Methods The theoretical applicability of basic stability training for young soccer players with core muscle strength training is discussed using mathematical statistics. The theoretical result is confronted with the practice of the controlled experiment on 18 young soccer players in 32 weeks with stabilization protocols. Results The fitness and soccer skills of the young men improved significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion Core strength training can promote the overall fitness of young soccer players. This training protocol for core strengthening achieves the primary goal of improving athletes’ competitive ability and fitness. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

Effect of core training on skill-related physical fitness performance among soccer players: A systematic review

“…The properties are as follows: (1) Athletes. Among the 26 articles, four investigated athletes at the university level ( 33 – 35 , 55 ); four articles investigated the elite level (accomplished athletes in non-professional contexts) ( 36 , 48 , 56 , 57 ); one investigated athletes at the professional level ( 37 ); six investigated athletes at the amateur level ( 41 – 44 , 46 , 53 ); one investigated athletes at the semi-professional level ( 59 ); one investigated athletes at the junior level ( 49 ); one investigated athletes at the higher school level ( 50 ); and one article investigated athletes at the secondary school level ( 51 ). However, seven articles did not report the number of participants ( 38 – 40 , 45 , 52 , 54 , 58 ).…”

“…Table 3 provided detailed information on 26 studies related to intervention characteristics, mainly including type, frequency, and duration. As for type, most studies used core training as an intervention; however, a few referred to core training as core strength training ( 37 , 55 – 57 ), core strength exercise ( 38 ), core exercise ( 42 ), or dynamic or static core exercise ( 43 , 51 , 59 ).…”

“…The frequency in all studies ranged from twice a week to five times a week. Specifically, interventions in 12 studies were performed twice a week ( 33 – 35 , 38 , 44 , 45 , 48 – 53 ), seven studies applied interventions thrice a week ( 37 , 39 – 41 , 46 , 58 , 59 ), one applied intervention four times a week ( 55 ), one applied intervention five times a week ( 56 ), and one study applied intervention twice or thrice a week ( 57 ). Meanwhile, the exercise duration for each practice in most studies ranged from 15 to 90 min.…”

“…All articles reported experiments lasting between 4 and 32 weeks. One study lasted 4 weeks ( 56 ); 5 lasted 6 weeks ( 37 , 42 , 45 , 46 , 50 ); 11 lasted 8 weeks ( 33 , 35 , 39 – 41 , 43 , 44 , 48 , 53 , 58 , 59 ); 2 lasted 9 weeks ( 51 , 57 ); 1 lasted 10 weeks ( 34 ); 3 lasted 12 weeks ( 38 , 49 , 52 ); and 2 studies lasted 32 weeks ( 54 , 55 ). One study did not report this aspect ( 36 ).…”

“…In total, 17 of the 26 articles considered in this review showed results regarding the effect of core training on the overall power performance. Among these articles, 13 used the vertical jump test ( 33 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 44 – 46 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 55 , 57 , 59 ), nine used the standing long jump test ( 39 , 41 – 43 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 54 , 59 ), and one study used the throwing medicine ball test ( 52 ). The participants of these studies included university participants ( 33 , 55 ), professional female participants ( 37 ), amateur participants ( 41 – 44 , 46 ); semi-professional participants ( 59 ), junior participants ( 49 ), secondary participants ( 51 ), and elite participants ( 57 ); five studies did not report these levels ( 38 , 39 , 45 , 52 , 54 ).…”