Investigation of the relationship between upper extremity performance, core endurance and balance in adolescent football players

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between upper extremity performance, balance and core endurance in amateur football players aged 13-16 years. In the study, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) was used to evaluate upper extremity stability, muscle strength, closed kinetic chain and endurance parameters, Upper Extremity Y-Balance Test (UEYBT) was used to evaluate shoulder mobility and stability, McGill Core Endurance Test was used for core endurance evaluation, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was used for lower extremity dynamic balance evaluation. After resting for 15 minutes between each assessment, the athletes were evaluated after verbalising their fitness. A total of 52 football player, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in the study. As a result of the study, it was found that there was a low and moderate relationship between upper extremity performance and balance and core variables. A significant but negative relationship was found between the CKCUEST and core endurance (p<0.05) and lower extremity dynamic balance (p<0.05) variables. A significant and positive relationship was found between the UEYBT and core endurance (p<0.05) and lower extremity dynamic balance (p<0.05) variables. As a result of the findings of the study, it was concluded that during the physical development stages of adolescent soccer players, balance, stability, and motor skills develop in parallel with those of adults, and that upper extremity performance is associated with core endurance and dynamic balance, potentially contributing to athletic performance.