Effects of a warm up integrated with core stability exercises on the motor abilities in young soccer players

Abstract

Background and study aim. The warm-up phase in youth soccer can be used to introduce drills that do not find space within the training session. Core district exercises give stability to the trunk and hips, allowing for increased performance and reducing the risk of non-contact injuries. This study aims to test the effects of a warm up integrated with core stability exercises on the motor abilities in young soccer players. Material and methods. Young soccer players (n=32, 12.45±0.52 years, 1.49±0.05 m, 44±2.90 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (EG=17) and control group (CG=15). The EG performed an integrated warm-up with core stability tasks for 6 weeks (12 sessions). The CG followed the usual training schedule based on technical tactical and physical drills. Performance was assessed through broad jump, Hop test, Side Hop test, 10-meter sprint and 10x5-meter shuttle test. Results. Data analysis returns some statistically significant differences in intergroup comparison (T1): for broad jump (p = .008), for left limb Hop test (p = .02), for right limb Hop test (p = .02), for left limb Side Hop (p = .03), for right limb Side Hop (p = .04), for sprint 10-meters (p = .002), for shuttle run 10x5-meters (p = .03). Conclusions. The core stability exercises in the warm up seems to increase some performance correlated with the motor abilities stressed in the soccer. The warm up through appropriate modifications can represent, a useful and integrative moment to elicit more factors of performance and prevention.