Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Efficacy of Core Stability Training on Endurance, Kinetic Chain Function, and Dynamic Balance in Soccer Players

28 participantsStarted 2026-01-01

Plain-language summary

Background: The core has two functions, both critical to soccer performance. The first is to provide proximal stability, allowing efficient mobility at the distal parts. This function requires a submaximal contraction of core muscles for as long as the movement takes. It was reported that core endurance is the construct most closely representing this function. The second function is generating and transferring forces from one extremity to another. This function operates via the kinetic chain theory, which implies that various body parts are connected through myofascial kinetic chains, and that a defect in one part of the chain can lead to faulty mechanics and balance, potentially causing injuries in other parts of that chain. Aim: To investigate the efficacy of core stability training on core endurance, lower limb kinetic chain function, and lower limb dynamic balance in professional, healthy young adult soccer players. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial with a parallel, two-arm, pre- and post-design. After screening for eligibility and obtaining participants' consents, at least 28 male and female soccer players will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups and tested before and after eight weeks of core training intervention. The outcome measures include the Sport-specific Endurance Plank test, the Closed Kinetic Chain Lower Extremity Stability test, and the modified Star Excursion Balance test. Data Analysis: The Shapiro-Wilk test, Q-Q plots, and Box plots will be used to evaluate the normality of the data. Lavan's test will check the homogeneity of variances. Based on the normality results, parametric or non-parametric tests will be implemented to compare within and between groups. A P-value of \<0.05 will be used to reflect the significance of the results. An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will be employed to address potential missing data. Keywords: core stability, endurance, kinetic chain, athletes, soccer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy, young adult soccer players of both genders between 18 and 35 years. * Normal Body mass index (BMI) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (18.5-24.9). * Normal waist circumference (\<88 cm for women and \< 102 cm for men). Exclusion Criteria: * As reported by participants, they will be excluded if they have a history of: * Chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension). * Peripheral vascular diseases (e.g., deep venous thrombosis). * Systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus) * Limbs or trunk trauma, injuries, fractures, or surgeries that required medical attention in the past six months. * Concussion. * Neurological deficits or symptoms (e.g., numbness, referred to pain to the lower limbs, burning sensation). * The use of any medications that might affect the testing procedure and training. * Physical pain (e.g., back pain, limb pain). * Red flags (e.g., sudden loss of weight, night sweats, or fever). * Pregnancy and post-partum (1 year) * Upon inspection and palpation by the primary researcher, participants will be excluded if they have: * Biomechanical abnormalities or deformities in the upper or lower limbs. * Swelling/ edema * Leg length discrepancy.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Sport-specific Endurance Plank test

Timeframe: 60 seconds

Closed Kinetic Chain Lower Extremity Stability Test

Timeframe: 15 seconds

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07326956

SponsorImam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More The Study Investigates the Efficacy of Core Stability Training on Core Endurance and Kinetic Chain Function and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Adult Soccer Players trials