The effect of core endurance on shooting velocity, sprinting performance, and agility in elite male football players

Background: This study was designed to determine the effect of core muscle endurance on shot velocity, speed performance, and agility in elite male football players.
Methods: This study, U17 football players from Tümosan Konyaspor in the Turkish Super League Elite League were evaluated. Core endurance was assessed using the Flexion (60 degrees)/Extension Endurance Test and the Right/Left Side Bridge Endurance Test. Shot velocity was measured using the Bushnell Velocity Speed device. Speed performance was assessed using a 20 m sprint test, and agility was evaluated using the 505-agility test.
Results: Twenty-three male elite football players with an average age of 16.52±0.51 were included in our study. In the Core Muscle Endurance Test, a moderately positive correlation was observed between flexion endurance and shoot velocity (r=0.607**, p=0.002). A strong negative correlation between 20-meter sprint speed and the 505 Agility test (r=-0.708**, p=<.001; r=-0.735**, p=<.001, respectively). In the multiple regression analysis, significant relationships were observed between core muscle endurance and shoot velocity in Model 1 (F=4.682, p=0.009), between core muscle endurance and 20-meter sprint speed in Model 2 (F=9.239, p<.001), and between core muscle endurance and the 505 agility test in Model 3 (F=14.634, p<.001).
Conclusion: This study found that core muscle endurance in elite male football players is significantly associated with shooting velocity, sprint performance, and agility. In contrast, among football players, core strength endurance is significantly associated with shooting velocity, sprint performance, and agility.
Keywords: Endurance, core stability, radar measurement, sprint, soccer