Core Strength Training on Physical Conditioning of College Male Soccer Players

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of CORE emerged in mechanical-neurological studies of rehabilitation in the 80s, referring to the central muscles of the human trunk, including the lumbar-pelvis-abdominal-perineal-hip complex responsible for the body orthostatic stability and support. Strengthening the CORE has received increasing attention from sports medicine specialists after the 2000s, and strength training is the subject of recent research in competitive sports. However, there is still a lack of conceptual studies of protocols for training focused on soccer athletes. Objective: Verify a CORE strength training protocol based on the analysis of the CORE training concept, its main functions, and introductory practical examples. Methods: Literature data collection, experimental and statistical-mathematical methods, and theoretical analysis about CORE training focused on explosive strength performance in soccer players are used. The developed protocol experiments with 44 athletes, divided into experimental and control groups, by sex. Information is collected on goal shooting, 30-meter pass, balance, stability, and symmetry. Results: The group experienced better results in both sexes(P<0.05). Conclusion: The explosion strength indicators of the players were significantly improved. Whether male or female athletes, the higher the skill level, the stronger the CORE stability in players. Therefore, the CORE stability and strengthening in athletes promote a benefit in the technical level of soccer players. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

The Effects of an Eight-Week Integrated Functional Core and Plyometric Training Program on Young Rhythmic Gymnasts’ Explosive Strength

“…These results are consistent with our findings; nevertheless, that study did not include plyometric and specific RG exercises in the training program. CS training programs have been conducted in basketball [64], improving explosive strength parameters of pre-pubescent and pubescent basketball players, and similar results were found in soccer [65]. Finally, a study comparing RG resistance training and regular resistance training provided further evidence that extensive repetition of low-load resistance exercises is advisable for young rhythmic gymnasts to improve power and stiffness, and specific training appears to be preferable to increase reactive strength [66].…”

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 ).…”

“…The total number of participants was 912: 344 males, 74 females, and the remaining 494 participants were mixed, with no sex-based statistics. Except for two articles, all others recorded participants' age ( 36 , 54 ). The oldest and youngest participants were 30 and 9 years of age, respectively; the average age was 17.6 years.…”

“…Two studies did not specify the duration—they mentioned, over 8–4 h per week ( 54 , 59 ). One study did not report training duration ( 36 ).…”

“…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 ).…”