GENÇ FUTBOLCULARDA CORE ANTRENMANLARININ YÖN DEĞİŞTİRME VE SPRİNT ÖZELLİKLERİNE ETKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Ataturk University, Kış Sporları Enstitüsü, Spor Sağlık Ana Bilim Dalı, Turkey
Approval Date: 2025
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: BURAK ÇOMAKLI
Supervisor: Fatih Kıyıcı
Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of an eight-week core training program on change of direction and short-distance sprint performance in youth league soccer players. Method: Twenty-two football players competing in the youth league were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 11) and a control group (n = 11). The experimental group performed a total of 24 core exercises (such as plank, side-plank, bridge, burpee, and mountain climber) three times a week in addition to regular team training. The control group continued with routine team training only. Pre- and post-tests included 10 m and 20 m sprint times and the Illinois agility test, measured using a photocell system (Optojump Microgate, Italy). Height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, and lean mass were assessed using a multi-frequency bioimpedance device (Tanita TBF 300, Japan). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests within groups and independent t-tests between groups, with the significance level set at 0.05. Findings: In the experimental group, the Illinois agility test time decreased from 16.47 ± 0.82 seconds to 15.39 ± 0.53 seconds (t = 6.82–7.89; p < 0.005), the 10 m sprint time from 1.99 ± 0.09 seconds to 1.73 ± 0.06 seconds, and the 20 m sprint time from 3.22 ± 0.09 seconds to 2.97 ± 0.11 seconds. No statistically significant changes were observed in these variables in the control group (p > 0.05). While body composition parameters remained unchanged in the experimental group, the control group showed a 1.36% decrease in body fat percentage (p = 0.002). Post-test comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group in both Illinois agility and sprint performance indicators (p < 0.005). Result: The eight-week core training added to the training program contributed to speed and change of direction parameters in young elite soccer players. Due to the applicability of core exercises, it is recommended to include them in pre-season programs.