title: Neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training in elite youth soccer: Role of instability.
abstract: Cross-sectional studies revealed that inclusion of unstable elements in core-strengthening exercises produced increases in trunk muscle activity and thus potential extra stimuli to induce more pronounced performance enhancements in youth athletes. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate changes in neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training performed on unstable (CSTU) compared with stable surfaces (CSTS) in youth soccer players. Thirty-nine male elite soccer players (age: 17 ± 1 years) were assigned to two groups performing a progressive core strength-training program for 9 weeks (2-3 times/week) in addition to regular in-season soccer training. CSTS group conducted core exercises on stable (i.e., floor, bench) and CSTU group on unstable (e.g., Thera-Band® Stability Trainer, Togu© Swiss ball) surfaces. Measurements included tests for assessing trunk muscle strength/activation, countermovement jump height, sprint time, agility time, and kicking performance. Statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of test (pre vs post) for trunk extensor strength (5%, P < 0.05, d = 0.86), 10-20-m sprint time (3%, P < 0.05, d = 2.56), and kicking performance (1%, P < 0.01, d = 1.28). No significant Group × test interactions were observed for any variable. In conclusion, trunk muscle strength, sprint, and kicking performance improved following CSTU and CSTS when conducted in combination with regular soccer training.
authors.affiliation: Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Prieske
authors.affiliation: Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Muehlbauer
authors.affiliation: Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Borde
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gube
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bruhn
authors.affiliation: School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Behm
authors.affiliation: Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Granacher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Elite sports; agility; ball speed; electromyography; jumping; sprint