This study aims to examine the effects of a 6-week core stabilization exercise program on balance, coordination, and core endurance parameters in young soccer players. Soccer is a sport that requires multifaceted skills such as balance, agility, and endurance, and it is well-known that stabilization of the lumbopelvic region (core) plays a critical role in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The study will include male volunteer athletes aged 14-17 years from the Alayköy Football Club Under-17 team in Cyprus. Participants will be randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The exercise group will undergo a progressive core stabilization program (plank, side plank, dead bug, etc.) twice a week for 6 weeks in addition to their routine training, while the control group will continue only with routine soccer training. Data will be collected using the Y-Balance Test, Pro-Agility Test, Squat Repetition Test, McGill Core Endurance Tests (Flexion and Lateral Bridge), and Prone Extension Test. Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0; the Wilcoxon test will be used for within-group changes, and the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for between-group comparisons. Ethical committee approval was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (BAYEK) of the European University of Lefke, and informed consent forms will be collected from participants and their parents.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
A progressive six-week core stabilization training program performed twice per week in addition to regular soccer training. The program includes exercises such as planks, side planks, dead bugs, Russian twists, and mountain climbers. The duration and difficulty will be gradually increased over the six-week period. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes including warm-up and cool-down. Exercises will be performed in four phases: warm-up exercises (pelvic tilt, cat-cow, dynamic side steps), stabilization-focused exercises (plank, side plank, dead bug, glute bridge), strength-focused exercises (Russian twists, mountain climbers, leg raises, hollow body hold), and cool-down exercises (child's pose, seated forward bend, cobra stretch).
Alayköy Football Club
Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Dynamic Balance Performance
Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test (Star Excursion Balance Test), a reliable field-based measure of lower extremity neuromuscular control, postural stability, and functional symmetry. Participants will stand on a single leg at the center of a Y-shaped device and reach with the contralateral leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Each reach direction will be performed three times. The mean of the three reach distances will be calculated and used as the dynamic balance score. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
Agility and Coordination
Agility and change-of-direction speed will be evaluated using the Pro-Agility Test (5-10-5 shuttle run). Participants will start from a central line, sprint 5 meters to one side, touch the line, change direction and sprint 10 meters to the opposite side, touch the line, and sprint 5 meters back to the starting point. The time to complete the course will be recorded in seconds using a stopwatch. Each participant will perform multiple trials. Measurements will be conducted at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
Lower Extremity Performance
Lower extremity muscular performance will be assessed using a bodyweight squat repetition test. Participants will stand with feet shoulder-width apart and perform squats to approximately 90-degree knee flexion while maintaining proper trunk alignment. The number of correctly performed repetitions within a 30-second time interval will be recorded. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
Core Flexor Endurance
Core flexor endurance will be assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Test flexor endurance test. Participants will maintain a static sit-up position with the trunk supported at approximately 60 degrees and the knees flexed at 90 degrees while the lower body is stabilized. The time the position is held without loss of posture will be recorded in seconds. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
Core Extensor Endurance
Core extensor endurance will be assessed using the Prone Extension Test (Superman Test). Participants will be positioned prone on a flat surface. The upper extremities will be placed in shoulder flexion with elbows fully extended and lifted at head level while the lower extremities are maintained in neutral hip position. Participants will be instructed to simultaneously lift the trunk to sternum level and raise the lower extremities from the ground to achieve a full trunk extension position. The time sustained in the correct position will be recorded in seconds using a stopwatch. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
Lateral Core Endurance
Lateral core endurance will be assessed using the McGill Core Endurance Test lateral bridge test. Participants will support their body on one forearm and the side of the foot, maintaining a straight line from head to feet. The holding time in seconds for each side will be recorded. Measurements will be taken at baseline and after the 6-week intervention period.
Time frame: 6 week
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