Effect of Core Stability Training Program on Tuck Jump Kinematics in Male Youth Soccer Players with Core Dysfunction

Abstract

The Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) has been proposed to identify neuromuscular deficits and plyometric technique flaws associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. This study aimed to investigate the effect of core stabilization training program on Tuck jump kinematics in male youth soccer players with core dysfunction. A total of 30 elite youth soccer players were included in this study which was screened by TJA to determine core dysfunction. During TJA, players who their thighs were not parallel (peak of jump), had pause between jumps and did not land in the same footprint, considered as participants with core dysfunction. The participants were divided randomly into two groups including core training group (n=15) and control (n=15) that both of them participated in pre-test and post-test (age 16.08±0.81 year, weight 64.16±8.61 kg , height 1.74±0.06 m, body mass index 20.89±1.78 kg/m2, competitive history 4.28±1.10 year). Core stability training group completed 12 week training program, 3 sessions each week totally 36 sessions, while control group did only their soccer traditional training. The effectiveness of core stability training intervention was assessed by performing core stability tests with four positions. Data were analyzed using a mixed design (2×2) repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni test. The aim of study was evaluating core stably. Study results showed that core stability training significantly reduced the mean of Tuck jump flaws. Consequently, 12 weeks core stability training provides noticeable improvement for kinematic of tuck jump in youth soccer players with core dysfunction.