The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Abstract Background and objectives Despite widespread implementation of core training in athletic preparation, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different sports and performance domains remains fragmented. This meta-analysis examined the effects of core training on athletic performance acr...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01159-6 |
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| author | Tongwu Yu Yuxiong Xu Zijian Zhang Yongsheng Sun Jinghui Zhong Chuanwei Ding |
| author_facet | Tongwu Yu Yuxiong Xu Zijian Zhang Yongsheng Sun Jinghui Zhong Chuanwei Ding |
| author_sort | Tongwu Yu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background and objectives Despite widespread implementation of core training in athletic preparation, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different sports and performance domains remains fragmented. This meta-analysis examined the effects of core training on athletic performance across multiple sports, addressing limitations of previous analyses that focused on single sports or limited performance measures. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar). We assessed methodological quality using the PEDro scale and risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials published between 2014–2024 involving healthy athletes aged 15–25 years, with core training as the primary intervention. Results From an initial 1,670 records identified, 29 studies met rigorous inclusion criteria, comprising 956 athletes aged 15–23 years. Core training demonstrated significant improvements in general athletic performance (SMD = 1.38, 95% CI [0.85, 1.82], p < 0.001), with notably strong effects on core endurance (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI [0.57, 2.08], p < 0.004) and balance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.29, 1.69], p = 0.01). Core training revealed a moderate but insignificant effects on sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [-0.08, 1.31], p = 0.084). The analysis revealed non-significant effects sport-specific outcomes: speed (SMD = -0.28 [-0.86, 0.31], p = 0.28); maximal strength (SMD = 7.57 [-7.75, 22.89], p = 0.27); flexibility (SMD = 0.48 [-0.76, 1.73], p = 0.3); change of direction (SMD = 0.10 [-0.56, 0.76], p = 0.69); technical skill performance (SMD = 0.71 [-4.38, 5.81], p = 0.75); throwing velocity/distance (SMD = 1.52 [-0.43, 3.48], p = 0.1) and vertical jump height (SMD = 0.90 [-0.23, 2.03], p = 0.1). The high heterogeneity across outcomes (I2 = 37–100%) indicates that training responses vary substantially depending on competitive level, intervention duration, and sport-specific contexts, suggesting the need for carefully tailored core training approaches. Conclusion This analysis demonstrates that core training effectively improves foundational athletic qualities but shows variable effects on sport-specific performance measures. The findings suggest core training should be integrated with sport-specific training for optimal performance enhancement. Future research should address the high heterogeneity observed by implementing standardized protocols and examining long-term training effects. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0f168d87e88e41cb8d3511c1395b437a |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2052-1847 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| spelling | doaj-art-0f168d87e88e41cb8d3511c1395b437a2025-08-20T02:55:27ZengBMCBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation2052-18472025-05-0117112710.1186/s13102-025-01159-6The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysisTongwu Yu0Yuxiong Xu1Zijian Zhang2Yongsheng Sun3Jinghui Zhong4Chuanwei Ding5Anhui Communications Vocational & Technical College, Baohe DistrictCapital University of Physical Education And SportsCapital University of Physical Education And SportsCapital University of Physical Education And SportsCapital University of Physical Education And SportsCapital University of Physical Education And SportsAbstract Background and objectives Despite widespread implementation of core training in athletic preparation, evidence regarding its effectiveness across different sports and performance domains remains fragmented. This meta-analysis examined the effects of core training on athletic performance across multiple sports, addressing limitations of previous analyses that focused on single sports or limited performance measures. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar). We assessed methodological quality using the PEDro scale and risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials published between 2014–2024 involving healthy athletes aged 15–25 years, with core training as the primary intervention. Results From an initial 1,670 records identified, 29 studies met rigorous inclusion criteria, comprising 956 athletes aged 15–23 years. Core training demonstrated significant improvements in general athletic performance (SMD = 1.38, 95% CI [0.85, 1.82], p < 0.001), with notably strong effects on core endurance (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI [0.57, 2.08], p < 0.004) and balance (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.29, 1.69], p = 0.01). Core training revealed a moderate but insignificant effects on sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI [-0.08, 1.31], p = 0.084). The analysis revealed non-significant effects sport-specific outcomes: speed (SMD = -0.28 [-0.86, 0.31], p = 0.28); maximal strength (SMD = 7.57 [-7.75, 22.89], p = 0.27); flexibility (SMD = 0.48 [-0.76, 1.73], p = 0.3); change of direction (SMD = 0.10 [-0.56, 0.76], p = 0.69); technical skill performance (SMD = 0.71 [-4.38, 5.81], p = 0.75); throwing velocity/distance (SMD = 1.52 [-0.43, 3.48], p = 0.1) and vertical jump height (SMD = 0.90 [-0.23, 2.03], p = 0.1). The high heterogeneity across outcomes (I2 = 37–100%) indicates that training responses vary substantially depending on competitive level, intervention duration, and sport-specific contexts, suggesting the need for carefully tailored core training approaches. Conclusion This analysis demonstrates that core training effectively improves foundational athletic qualities but shows variable effects on sport-specific performance measures. The findings suggest core training should be integrated with sport-specific training for optimal performance enhancement. Future research should address the high heterogeneity observed by implementing standardized protocols and examining long-term training effects.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01159-6Core stabilityAthletic performanceStrength trainingSports performanceMeta-analysis |
| spellingShingle | Tongwu Yu Yuxiong Xu Zijian Zhang Yongsheng Sun Jinghui Zhong Chuanwei Ding The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation Core stability Athletic performance Strength training Sports performance Meta-analysis |
| title | The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis |
| title_full | The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis |
| title_short | The impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports: a comprehensive meta-analysis |
| title_sort | impact of core training on overall athletic performance in different sports a comprehensive meta analysis |
| topic | Core stability Athletic performance Strength training Sports performance Meta-analysis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01159-6 |
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