| EFFECTS OF IN-SEASON CORE STABILITY AND BALANCE TRAINING ON POSTURAL CONTROL, AGILITY, AND INJURY PREVENTION IN ADOLESCENT FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS OF KERMANSHAH CITY |
| Paper ID : 1169-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
|
masome nobahar * Assistant professor of physical education, Payame Noor university, Tehran, Iran , |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an in-season core stability and balance training program on postural control, agility, and injury prevention among adolescent female soccer players in Kermanshah City. Methods: A semi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was applied. Twenty-eight players (aged 13–16 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14). The experimental group participated in supervised core stability and balance training sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks in addition to their regular soccer practice, while the control group continued their normal soccer training only. Performance outcomes included the Y-Balance Test (for postural control), Illinois Agility Test, and time-loss injury incidence. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group for balance (Δ +8.5%, p = 0.012*) and agility (Δ −4.2%, p = 0.021*), while the control group showed no significant changes. Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited a 42% reduction in training-related injuries compared to the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that integrating core stability and balance exercises into regular in-season soccer training can effectively enhance performance and reduce injury risk in adolescent female players. This approach may be a cost-effective and practical strategy for coaches seeking to optimize functional movement efficiency and injury resilience in young athletes. |
| Keywords |
| core stability, balance training, agility, injury prevention, female soccer |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
