Effects of an 8-week core training program on COP-based postural sway and functional performance in male amateur soccer players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Core training is applied in athletic preparation to improve movement control and physical capacity. Postural stability is often assessed through balance tasks and force-platform indicators that reflect neuromuscular control. Although various training approaches are used, their relative efficiency in modifying postural sway and functional performance remains a point of practical interest.Therefore, the present study examined the effects of an eight-week core training program on change of direction, vertical jump, sprint, and center-of-pressure (COP) postural sway performance in amateur soccer players. Materials and Methods. Thirty male soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and to a control group (n = 15). The experimental group completed a core training program three times per week over a period of eight weeks, giving a total of 24 training sessions. The control group continued regular training without additional core exercises. Performance testing consisted of 30 m sprint, change of direction and vertical jump assessments conducted before and after the intervention. Postural sway was measured on a force platform under two visual conditions, eyes open and eyes closed. Each condition was tested in double leg stance for three trials of 30 seconds, and center of pressure values were recorded for anterior posterior, medial lateral and total sway. Results. After Bonferroni correction, only vertical jump performance showed significant within group improvement in the core training group (pre 41.57 ± 2.09 cm, post 42.02 ± 1.94 cm, p < 0.001). No significant within group changes were observed in 30 m sprint (pre 4.34 ± 0.11 s, post 4.31 ± 0.10 s, p = 0.042) or change of direction performance (pre 15.84 ± 0.15 s, post 15.82 ± 0.16 s, p = 0.036) after correcting for multiple comparisons. In between group comparisons, the core training group demonstrated greater improvement than the control group in vertical jump performance (post 42.02 ± 1.94 cm vs 40.73 ± 1.03 cm, p = 0.035, ES = 0.83) and showed favorable although not statistically confirmed reductions in change of direction time. No significant differences between groups were found for sprint performance. Conclusions. An eight-week core training program improved physical performance and postural stability in amateur soccer players. These findings indicate the value of incorporating core stabilization exercises to enhance neuromuscular performance among amateur soccer athletes.