To Determine the effects of core stability training on the physical performance of soccer players.
Searchers in PubMed, Bireme, Scopus and Web of Science databases were performed until November 2023 according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook and following the PRISMA statement. The results were processed through the Rayyan platform, where two reviewers independently selected the studies, resolving discrepancies through the intervention of a third reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool, while publication bias was analyzed using funnel plots and Egger's regression test in STATA. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the SIGN checklist, and the quality of reporting using the CONSORT checklist. Both evaluations were performed independently by two reviewers, with the intervention of a third in case of disagreement. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers, and the results were analyzed by fixed-effects meta-analysis using RevMan-Web. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I², Chi² and Galbraith plots. Finally, the overall certainty of the evidence was determined by applying the GRADE approach.
2,984 records were found, 37 studies involving 1,174 soccer players aged 9 to 30 year-old were selected. Core stability training (CST) showed improvements in vertical jump, with an average increase of 1.66 centimeters (95% CI: 0.53, 2.79). Improvements were also observed in agility tests, such as the t-drill, with a reduction of -0.71 seconds (95% CI: -1.27, -0.14), and in the Illinois test, with an improvement of -0.56 seconds (95% CI: -1.05, -0.06). No significant improvements were found in 30-meter sprints (-0.04 seconds [95% CI: -0.14, 0.06]) or 20-meter sprints (-0.05 seconds [95% CI: -0.11, 0.01]).
Sports physiotherapists can implement CST to optimize physical performance in terms of jumping and agility in soccer players, but not to increase their running speed.
This evidence allows soccer club physiotherapists to apply effective strategies to optimize the physical capabilities of athletes. In this way, soccer players from youth or training schools can develop the necessary skills to join professional teams, while those who already belong to a professional team achieve sustained high performance. In addition, decision-makers, such as sports ministries and national and international entities, can consider implementing this type of training to maximize the sporting achievements of their athletes.
Athletic Performance
Soccer
