Effect of Core Muscle Training on Balance and Agility in Athletes: A Systematic Review (2024)

  • Aagaard, P., Simonsen, E.B., Andersen, J.L., Magnusson, P., & Dyhre-Poulsen, P. (2002). Increased rate of force development and neural drive of human skeletal muscle following resistance training. Journal of Applied Physiology, 93(4), 13181326. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00283.2002

  • Aggarwal, A., Zutshi, K., Munjal, J., Kumar, S., & Sharma, V. (2010). Comparing stabilization training with balance training in recreationally active individuals. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 17(5), 244253. https://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2010.17.5.47843

  • American College of Sports Medicine. (2014). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.

  • Asar, S., Jalalpour, S., Ayoubi, F., Rahmani, M.R., & Rezaeian, M. (2016). PRISMA; preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, 15(1), 6880.

  • Barr, K.P., Griggs, M., & Cadby, T. (2005). Lumbar stabilization. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 84(6), 473480. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.phm.0000163709.70471.42

  • Behm, D.G., Drinkwater, E.J., Willardson, J.M., & Cowley, P.M. (2010). The use of instability to train the core musculature. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 35(1), 91108. https://doi.org/10.1139/h09-127

  • Benis, R., Bonato, M., & Torre, A.L. (2016). Elite female basketball players’ body-weight neuromuscular training and performance on the Y-balance test. Journal of Athletic Training, 51(9), 688695. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.03

  • Bliss, L.S., & Teeple, P. (2005). Core stability: The centerpiece of any training program. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 4(3), 179183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11932-005-0064-y

  • Carson, R.G. (2006). Changes in muscle coordination with training. Journal of Applied Physiology, 101(5), 15061513. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00544.2006

  • Caspersen, C.J., Powell, K.E., & Christenson, G.M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: Definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports, 100(2), 126131.

  • Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2002). Research methods in education. Routledge.

  • Cresswell, A.G., & Thorstensson, A. (1994). Changes in intra-abdominal pressure, trunk muscle activation and force during isokinetic lifting and lowering. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 68(4), 315321. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00571450

  • Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M.J., Chandler, J., Welch, V.A., Higgins, J.P., & Thomas, J. (2019). Updated guidance for trusted systematic reviews: A new edition of the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019, Article ED000142. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.ed000142

  • de Morton, N.A. (2009). The PEDro scale is a valid measure of the methodological quality of clinical trials: A demographic study. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55(2), 129133. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0004-9514(09)70043-1

  • DeMet, T., & Wahl-Alexander, Z. (2019). Integrating skill-related components of fitness into physical education. Strategies, 32(5), 1017. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2019.1637315

  • Dinç, N., & Ergin, E. (2019). The effect of 8-week core training on balance, agility and explosive force performance. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(2), 550555. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070227

  • Doğanay, M., Bingül, B.M., & Álvarez-García, C. (2020). Effect of core training on speed, quickness and agility in young male football players. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60(9), 12401246. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10999-x

  • Earl, J.E., & Hertel, J. (2001). Lower-extremity muscle activation during the star excursion balance tests. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 10(2), 93104. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.10.2.93

  • Escamilla, R.F., Lewis, C., Bell, D., Bramblet, G., Daffron, J., Lambert, S., Pecson, A., Imamura, R., Paulos, L., & Andrews, J.R. (2010). Core muscle activation during swiss ball and traditional abdominal exercises. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 40(5), 265276. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2010.3073

  • Filipa, A., Byrnes, R., Paterno, M.V., Myer, G.D., & Hewett, T.E. (2010). Neuromuscular training improves performance on the star excursion balance test in young female athletes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 40(9), 551558. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2010.3325

  • Hibbs, A.E., Thompson, K.G., French, D., Wrigley, A., & Spears, I. (2008). Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength. Sports Medicine, 38(12), 9951008. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838120-00004

  • Higgins, J., Thomas, J., Chandler, J., Cumpston, M., Li, T., Page, M., & Welch, V. (2019). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell

  • Hodges, P.W., & Richardson, C.A. (1997a). Contraction of the abdominal muscles associated with movement of the lower limb. Physical Therapy, 77(2), 132142. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/77.2.132

  • Hodges, P.W., & Richardson, C.A. (1997b). Feedforward contraction of transversus abdominis is not influenced by the direction of arm movement. Experimental Brain Research, 114(2), 362370. https://doi.org/10.1007/pl00005644

  • Hrysomallis, C. (2011). Balance ability and athletic performance. Sports Medicine, 41(3), 221232. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538560-000000000-00000

  • Hughes, D.C., Ellefsen, S., & Baar, K. (2017). Adaptations to endurance and strength training. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 8(6), Article a029769. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a029769

  • Hung, K.-C., Chung, H.-W., Yu, C.C.-W., Lai, H.-C., & Sun, F.-H. (2019). Effects of 8-week core training on core endurance and running economy. PLoS One, 14(3), Article e0213158. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213158

  • Huxel Bliven, K.C., & Anderson, B.E. (2013). Core stability training for injury prevention. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 5(6), 514522. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738113481200

  • Iacono, A.D., Martone, D., Domenico, M., Alfieri, A.A., Andreina, A., Ayalon, M., & Buono, P. (2014). Core Stability Training Program (CSTP) effects on static and dynamic balance abilities. Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per Le Scienze Mediche, 173(4), 197206.

  • Jamison, S.T., Mcneilan, R.J., Young, G.S., Givens, D.L., Best, T.M., & Chaudhari, A.M.W. (2012). Randomized controlled trial of the effects of a trunk stabilization program on trunk control and knee loading. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 44(10), 19241934. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31825a2f61

  • Junker, D., & Stöggl, T. (2019). The training effects of foam rolling on core strength endurance, balance, muscle performance and range of motion: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 18(2), 229238.

  • Kachanathu, S., Tyagi, P., Anand, P., Hameed, U., & Algarni, A. (2014). Effect of core stabilization training on dynamic balance in professional soccer players. Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin, 24(06), 299304. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1382060

  • Kibler, W.B., Press, J., & Sciascia, A. (2006). The role of core stability in athletic function. Sports Medicine, 36(3), 189198. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636030-00001

  • Kulas, A.S., Schmitz, R.J., Shultz, S.J., Henning, J.M., & Perrin, D.H. (2007). Sex-specific abdominal activation strategies during landing. Journal of Athletic Training, 41(4), 381386.

  • Lipsey, M.W., & Wilson, D.B. (2001). Practical meta-analysis. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

  • Maher, C.G., Sherrington, C., Herbert, R.D., Moseley, A.M., & Elkins, M. (2003). Reliability of the PEDro scale for rating quality of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy, 83(8), 713721. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/83.8.713

  • Martins, H.S., Lüdtke, D.D., Araújo, J.C.O., Cidral-Filho, F.J., Salgado, A.S.I., Viseux, F., & Martins, D.F. (2019). Effects of core strengthening on balance in University Judo Athletes. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 23(4), 758765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.05.009

  • McGill, S. (2010). Core training: Evidence translating to better performance and injury prevention. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 32(3), 3346. https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0b013e3181df4521

  • Mills, J.D., Taunton, J.E., & Mills, W.A. (2005). The effect of a 10-week training regimen on Lumbo-pelvic stability and athletic performance in female athletes: A randomized-controlled trial. Physical Therapy in Sport, 6(2), 6066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2005.02.006

  • Myer, G.D., Faigenbaum, A.D., Chu, D.A., Falkel, J., Ford, K.R., Best, T.M., & Hewett, T.E. (2011). Integrative training for children and adolescents: Techniques and practices for reducing sports-related injuries and enhancing athletic performance. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 39(1), 7484. https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2011.02.1854

  • Pal, S., Yadav, J., Sindhu, B., & Kalra, S. (2021). Effect of plyometrics and Pilates training on dynamic balance and core strength of karate players. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 15(1), 510. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2021/47171.14473

  • Parkhouse, K.L., & Ball, N. (2011). Influence of dynamic versus static core exercises on performance in field based fitness tests. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 517524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.12.001

  • Petersen, C.B., Eriksen, L., Dahl‐Petersen, I.K., Aadahl, M., & Tolstrup, J.S. (2021). Self‐rated physical fitness and measured cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 31(5), 10861095. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13918

  • Preeti, Kalra, S., Yadav, J., & Pawaria, S. (2019). Effect of Pilates on lower limb strength, dynamic balance, agility and coordination skills in aspiring state level badminton players. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 13(7), YC01YC06. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2019/41713.12978

  • Prieske, O., Muehlbauer, T., Borde, R., Gube, M., Bruhn, S., Behm, D.G., & Granacher, U. (2016). Neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training in elite youth soccer: Role of instability. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(1), 4856. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12403

  • Prieske, O., Muehlbauer, T., & Granacher, U. (2016). The role of trunk muscle strength for physical fitness and athletic performance in trained individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 46(3), 401419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0426-4

  • Reed, C.A., Ford, K.R., Myer, G.D., & Hewett, T.E. (2012). The effects of isolated and integrated “core stability” training on athletic performance measures. Sports Medicine, 42(8), 697706. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03262289

  • Sato, K., & Mokha, M. (2009). Does core strength training influence running kinetics, lower-extremity stability, and 5000-m performance in runners? Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 133140. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0b013e31818eb0c5

  • Sciascia, A., & Cromwell, R. (2012). Kinetic chain rehabilitation: A theoretical framework. Rehabilitation Research and Practice, 2012, 19. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/853037

  • Sever, O., & Zorba, E. (2018). Comparison of effect of static and dynamic core exercises on speed and agility performance in soccer players. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 26(1), 2936. https://doi.org/10.3233/ies-171120

  • Sharrock, C., Cropper, J., Mostad, J., Johnson, M.W., & Malone, T. (2011). A pilot study of core stability and athletic performance: Is there a relationship? International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 6(2), 6374.

  • Shinkle, J., Nesser, T.W., Demchak, T.J., & McMannus, D.M. (2012). Effect of core strength on the measure of power in the extremities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(2), 373380. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0b013e31822600e5

  • Siff, M.C. (2000). Biomechanical foundations of strength and power training. In V.M. Zatsiorsky (Ed.), Biomechanics in sport (pp.103139). Oxford. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470693797.ch6

  • Silfies, S.P., Ebaugh, D., Pontillo, M., & Butowicz, C.M. (2015). Critical review of the impact of core stability on upper extremity athletic injury and performance. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 19(5), 360368. https://doi.org/10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0108

  • Willardson, J.M. (2007). Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(3), 979985.

  • Effect of Core Muscle Training on Balance and Agility in Athletes: A Systematic Review (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Greg Kuvalis

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5815

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

    Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Greg Kuvalis

    Birthday: 1996-12-20

    Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

    Phone: +68218650356656

    Job: IT Representative

    Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

    Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.