Core Stability Training and Athletic Performance in Amateur Footballers

NCT06815276 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Core stability and performance
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a core strengthening program on the athletic performance of amateur football players aged 18 to 35. Conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial, the research compares two groups: one undergoing traditional football training combined with a 12-week core strengthening program, and another following only regular training and matches. Key outcomes include: Core strength (measured using the Plank Endurance Test), Balance (assessed through the Y-Balance Test), Functional power (evaluated with the Vertical Jump Test), Overall Athletic Performance: Illinois (assessed through Illinois Agility Test) Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Assessments will be conducted pre- and post-intervention to determine the program's impact on physical fitness and performance. The findings will provide insights into whether targeted core training enhances key physical attributes and athletic abilities, critical to injury prevention, functional capacity, and athletic performance.

Conditions

Healthy

Keywords

Performance; football; core; balance; agility; power

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Core Strength - Plank Endurance Test

  Participants assume a prone position, supporting their body weight on forearms and toes, maintaining a straight line from head to heels. The duration for which the position is held without compromising form is recorded, reflecting the endurance capacity of the core musculature.

  baseline and 12 weeks

• Balance - Y balance test

  Assesses dynamic balance by having participants reach as far as possible in multiple directions with one foot while maintaining balance on the other, providing insight into lower limb stability and control.

  baseline and 12 weeks

• Overall Athletic Performance - Illinois Agility Test

  Measures agility by timing participants as they navigate a predetermined course involving directional changes, reflecting their ability to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction efficiently.

  baseline and 12 weeks

• Functional Power: Vertical Jump Test

  Participants perform a maximal vertical jump from a standing position, with the jump height measured to evaluate lower body explosive power.

  baseline and 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Experimental

EXPERIMENTAL

Regular training + Core muscle training

Other: Exercise

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Regular training

Interventions

Exercise OTHER

core muscle training

Experimental

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male amateur football players aged between 18 and 35 years,
• Active members of local football clubs;
• Medically cleared and physically fit to participate in regular training sessions and matches.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals already engaged in a core strengthening program;
• Participants with injuries or medical conditions that contraindicate participation in the study or could interfere with the intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, Politécnico e Universitário: lead

Study Sites (1)

Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave

Vila Nova de Famalicão, Braga District, 4760-409, Portugal

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Exercise

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Maria A Paço, PhD

  H²M - Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, CESPU, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão.

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Paula D Chaves, PhD

  H²M - Health and Human Movement Unit, Polytechnic University of Health, CESPU, CRL 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão.

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Maria A Paço, PhD

CONTACT

+351 224 157 100; maria.paco@ipsn.cespu.pt

Paula D Chaves, PhD

CONTACT

+351 224 157 100; paula.chaves@ipsn.cespu.pt

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 20, 2025
• First Posted: February 7, 2025
• Study Start: February 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2025
• Study Completion: June 1, 2025
• Last Updated: February 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-02

Locations

PT (1)