Core training review found jump and agility gains, with uncertain sprint effects
Soccer players showed improvements on some performance tests, while the sprint results did not demonstrate a clear benefit.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across controlled trials, core stability training was linked to better vertical jump and agility test results in soccer players. Neither sprint test showed a statistically significant improvement. The evidence points to changes in particular test outcomes, without establishing that core training improves every aspect of physical performance or match play.
The abstract does not describe control programs, intervention lengths, or final bias and certainty ratings. Its sprint findings do not prove that core training has no effect on speed.
What researchers found
Vertical jump height
Pooled difference for core stability training versus trial comparison groups (95% CI: 0.53 to 2.79 cm); comparison details and assessment timing were not reported.
Separate tests answer separate questions
The review assessed jump height, agility completion times, and sprint times as separate outcomes. A favorable result on one test does not automatically imply improvement on another measure.
Uncertainty around sprint performance
Sprint estimates were compatible with both improvement and no improvement. The abstract does not show whether the observed jump and agility changes translated into better performance during matches.
The original publication
Effects of core stability training on physical performance in soccer players: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rodríguez S, Hernández-Álvarez ED, León-Prieto C
J Bodyw Mov Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41316560
- Record checked
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