Athletic PerformanceNCT07870083
Effect of an 8-Week Core Exercise Program on Jumping and Balance in Recreational Soccer Players Aged 14-16 Years
A study testing Core Exercise Program in people with Athletic Performance and Postural Balance, run by Ahmet Talha Öztürk at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of an 8-week core exercise program on jumping and balance performance in recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (18 per group). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 14 to 16 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance, Postural Balance, Jumping Performance
- What is being tested?
- Core Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 2 May 2026to 30 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 14 to 16 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Male recreational soccer players aged 14 to 16 years
- Regular attendance at soccer training at least two days a week
- Voluntary participation, with written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian and assent from the participant
Who cannot join
- Musculoskeletal injury
- History of surgery
- Chronic illness
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of an 8-Week Core Exercise Program on Jumping and Balance Performance in Recreational Soccer Players Aged 14-16 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of an 8-week core exercise program on jumping and balance performance in recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (18 per group). The experimental group performed a structured core exercise program twice a week, in addition to regular soccer training. The control group continued regular soccer training only. Standing long jump, vertical jump (squat jump), and static balance (Flamingo Balance Test) were measured before and after the 8-week period.
Read the detailed description
Evidence on the effect of core training on jumping performance in soccer players is inconsistent, and data for recreational adolescent players are limited. The aim of this study was to examine whether an 8-week core exercise program added to regular soccer training improves standing long jump, vertical jump, and static balance performance more than regular soccer training alone.
Participants were recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years from the province of Ankara, Turkey, who attended soccer training regularly at least two days a week. Players with a musculoskeletal injury, a history of surgery, or a chronic illness were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to groups by simple randomization carried out by a person independent of the researchers. The study was conducted during the preseason period.
The experimental group performed the core exercise program twice a week immediately before regular soccer training. Each session lasted 20 minutes and included a dynamic activation phase, a core exercise block, and a cool-down phase. The program was divided into four phases of two weeks each, progressing from isometric control to dynamic stabilization and rotational strength, functional strength and unilateral balance, and explosive soccer-specific power. The control group continued regular soccer training only.
Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with a 2 (group) x 2 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance.
This study was registered after data collection had been completed (retrospective registration).
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Postural Balance, Jumping Performance
- Being tested
- Core Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Core training, Youth soccer players, Vertical jump, Standing long jump, Balance, Adolescent athletes
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Eight-week progressive core exercise program performed twice a week for 20 minutes per session, immediately before regular soccer training. Sixteen core exercises suitable for the age group were arranged from easiest to hardest across four two-week phases: (1) weeks 1-2, anatomical adaptation and isometric control, 2 sets of 30 s work and 20 s rest; (2) weeks 3-4, dynamic stabilization and rotational strength, 3 sets of 35 s work and 15 s rest; (3) weeks 5-6, functional strength and unilateral balance, 3 sets of 40 s work and 15 s rest; (4) weeks 7-8, explosive core and soccer-specific power, 3 sets of 20 s maximal effort and 10 s rest (Tabata format).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Core Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants performed an 8-week core exercise program twice a week, immediately before regular soccer training and in addition to it. Each 20-minute session consisted of a 3-minute dynamic activation phase, a 15-minute core exercise block, and a 2-minute transition and cool-down phase. Participants also continued their regular soccer training. Receives: Behavioral: Core Exercise Program |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants continued their regular soccer training only, without the core exercise program, during the 8-week period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Standing Long Jump Distance
Horizontal jump distance measured in centimeters. Participants stood behind a starting line with feet together and jumped forward as far as possible. The distance from the starting line to the heel closest to the line was recorded. Each participant performed two attempts and the best score was used.
Measured: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Vertical Jump Height (Squat Jump)
Squat jump height measured in centimeters with a SmartSpeed contact mat. Participants started from a knee angle of 90 degrees with hands on the waist. Each participant performed two attempts and the best result was used.
Measured: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Static Balance (Flamingo Balance Test, Number of Errors)
Participants stood on the dominant foot on a beam for 60 seconds. The number of times balance was lost (stepping off the beam or falling) was counted as the number of errors. Lower scores indicate better balance.
Measured: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Oct 2026
- Study start2 May 2026
- Primary completion30 Jun 2026
- Study completion30 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two parallel groups of recreational male soccer players: an experimental group performing an 8-week core exercise program twice weekly in addition to regular soccer training, and a control group continuing regular soccer training only. Both groups were assessed before and after the 8-week period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmet Talha Öztürk
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ahmet Talha Öztürk, Istanbul Esenyurt University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07870083
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/26
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in the article will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of an 8-Week Core Exercise Program on Jumping and Balance Performance in Recreational Soccer Players Aged 14-16 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07870083
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026/26
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance, Postural Balance, Jumping Performance
- Keywords
- Core training, Youth soccer players, Vertical jump, Standing long jump, Balance, Adolescent athletes
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmet Talha ÖztürkUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of an 8-week core exercise program on jumping and balance performance in recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (18 per group). The experimental group performed a structured core exercise program twice a week, in addition to regular soccer training. The control group continued regular soccer training only. Standing long jump, vertical jump (squat jump), and static balance (Flamingo Balance Test) were measured before and after the 8-week period.
Detailed description
Evidence on the effect of core training on jumping performance in soccer players is inconsistent, and data for recreational adolescent players are limited. The aim of this study was to examine whether an 8-week core exercise program added to regular soccer training improves standing long jump, vertical jump, and static balance performance more than regular soccer training alone.
Participants were recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years from the province of Ankara, Turkey, who attended soccer training regularly at least two days a week. Players with a musculoskeletal injury, a history of surgery, or a chronic illness were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to groups by simple randomization carried out by a person independent of the researchers. The study was conducted during the preseason period.
The experimental group performed the core exercise program twice a week immediately before regular soccer training. Each session lasted 20 minutes and included a dynamic activation phase, a core exercise block, and a cool-down phase. The program was divided into four phases of two weeks each, progressing from isometric control to dynamic stabilization and rotational strength, functional strength and unilateral balance, and explosive soccer-specific power. The control group continued regular soccer training only.
Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with a 2 (group) x 2 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance.
This study was registered after data collection had been completed (retrospective registration).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two parallel groups of recreational male soccer players: an experimental group performing an 8-week core exercise program twice weekly in addition to regular soccer training, and a control group continuing regular soccer training only. Both groups were assessed before and after the 8-week period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Core Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Core Exercise ProgramParticipants performed an 8-week core exercise program twice a week, immediately before regular soccer training and in addition to it. Each 20-minute session consisted of a 3-minute dynamic activation phase, a 15-minute core exercise block, and a 2-minute transition and cool-down phase. Participants also continued their regular soccer training. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants continued their regular soccer training only, without the core exercise program, during the 8-week period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 14 to 16 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male recreational soccer players aged 14 to 16 years
- Regular attendance at soccer training at least two days a week
- Voluntary participation, with written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian and assent from the participant
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Musculoskeletal injury
- History of surgery
- Chronic illness
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Core Exercise ProgramEight-week progressive core exercise program performed twice a week for 20 minutes per session, immediately before regular soccer training. Sixteen core exercises suitable for the age group were arranged from easiest to hardest across four two-week phases: (1) weeks 1-2, anatomical adaptation and isometric control, 2 sets of 30 s work and 20 s rest; (2) weeks 3-4, dynamic stabilization and rotational strength, 3 sets of 35 s work and 15 s rest; (3) weeks 5-6, functional strength and unilateral balance, 3 sets of 40 s work and 15 s rest; (4) weeks 7-8, explosive core and soccer-specific power, 3 sets of 20 s maximal effort and 10 s rest (Tabata format). | Behavioural | Core Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Standing Long Jump Distance
Time frame: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Horizontal jump distance measured in centimeters. Participants stood behind a starting line with feet together and jumped forward as far as possible. The distance from the starting line to the heel closest to the line was recorded. Each participant performed two attempts and the best score was used.
Vertical Jump Height (Squat Jump)
Time frame: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Squat jump height measured in centimeters with a SmartSpeed contact mat. Participants started from a knee angle of 90 degrees with hands on the waist. Each participant performed two attempts and the best result was used.
Static Balance (Flamingo Balance Test, Number of Errors)
Time frame: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)
Participants stood on the dominant foot on a beam for 60 seconds. The number of times balance was lost (stepping off the beam or falling) was counted as the number of errors. Lower scores indicate better balance.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in the article will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core Exercise Program in people with Athletic Performance and Postural Balance, run by Ahmet Talha Öztürk at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Standing Long Jump Distance (time frame: Baseline (pretest) and after 8 weeks (posttest)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.