Core stability of male and female football players

Abstract

Study aim: To investigate into core stability measures and to establish the preliminary normal data. Material and methods: Three groups of football players were studied: male players, members of an amateur club (Division IV; n = 20), female players, members of a Division I club (n = 28) and male adolescent club players (n = 17). They were subjected to 4 tests of core stability (muscular endurance of trunk flexors and extensors, and of left and right lateral bridge) at the beginning of the 2009/2010 season. Results: No significant between-group differences were found for trunk flexors endurance. Female players were significantly (p<0.01) superior to both male groups with respect to trunk extensors endurance and inferior with respect to flexors-to-extensors ratio. Conclusions: The results may have practical implications for football training and injury prevention.