The effect of static and dynamic core training on physical performance in football players

Aim: This study was conducted to determine whether static and dynamic core training types affect physical performance in football players and, if so, which core training type is more effective. Methods: The study involved the voluntary participation of 45 football players from the Akhisarspor club. The participants were divided into three groups: dynamic core training group (n=15), static core training group (n=15), and control group (n=15). Footballers in the static and dynamic core training groups trained 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group only continued team training. The study applied body mass index, waist-hip ratio, sprint test (10m, 20m, 30m), explosive strength test, coordination test (hexagon), pro agility test, and functional movement analysis tests as pre-test and post-test. Paired groups t-test was used for statistical analyses, and the significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: Our study found improvement in the dynamic core exercise group in 10 m sprint and vertical jump tests (p<0,05). In the agility and waist/hip ratio tests, improvement was found in the static core exercise group (p<0.05). In the waist circumference test, a statistically significant difference was found only in the control group (p<0.05). When evaluated regarding the hip, 20 m, and 30 m sprint, hexagon, standing long jump, and functional movement screen tests, statistically significant differences were found in static and dynamic exercise groups (p<0,05). According to the pre-test mean scores, no significant difference was found between the groups in body mass index, waist, hip, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, vertical jump, hexagon, agility, standing long jump, and functional movement screen parameters (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found in the mean pre-test waist/hip ratio scores in the control and dynamic core exercise groups compared to the static core exercise group (p<0.05). According to the posttest mean scores between the groups, no significant difference was found in body mass index, waist, hip, waist/hip ratio, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, vertical jump, hexagonal jump, and standing long jump parameters (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the posttest mean scores of agility and functional movement screen parameters according to the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that the results obtained provide information to conditioners and coaches about what kind of exercises they can apply in terms of contraction type, and on the other hand, it is thought to answer the questions about the application, amount and necessity of core exercises in sports where skills such as explosive strength, speed, coordination, quickness, and general strength are essential.