Effects of core strength training on physical fitness and skills performance among youth male field hockey players in Gansu, China

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week core strength training intervention on physical fitness (strength, power, speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility) and field hockey skills (dribbling, pulling, passing, and shooting accuracy) of Chinese young male field hockey players. The study was conducted meticulously, considering four major areas for the cluster selection process in the Gansu Province region of China. Two districts were randomly selected, and the core strength training group (CSTG) and control training group (CTG) were selected using the fishbowl method. Forty-eight eligible participants were recruited from two training sites in Gansu Province, aged between 15 and 17 years. A cluster-randomised controlled trial study was conducted, and the two groups performed 60 minutes of training thrice a week for 12 weeks. The data collection procedures for CTG were the same as those for CSTG. In addition, these test protocols were used to evaluate the changes in dependent variables at 0, six, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) determined differences between and within groups at baseline, week six, and week 12. The significance level was fixed at P <0.05. Results showed interaction effect (time*group) showed significant differences in most variables (p<0.05). Strength (X²=176.367, p<0.001), power (X²=28.636, p<0.001), speed (X²=170.182, p<0.001), endurance (X²=32.196, p<0.001), agility (X²=205.528, p<0.001), dribbling (X²=287.613, p<0.001), pulling (X²=16.121, p<0.001), and shooting (X²=23.054, p=0.001). All indicators changed significantly over time (12 weeks) between the two groups, indicating the impressive effectiveness of core strength training. Among them, strength (sit-up - effect size = 3.68) and skills (dribbling - effect size = 2.01) showed the largest differences. In contrast, the interaction effects of the remaining variables (flexibility and passing skills) were reported as not significantly different. In conclusion, a core strength training approach focusing on whole-body stabilising muscle training in a high-load and high-threshold environment aims to adapt to overload training through muscle hypertrophy, enhancing core strength, improving core stability, and sports performance. The specificity of this training approach lies in using multi-joint and multi-muscle group exercises to meet the specific performance demands of the sport. In addition, core strength training significantly enhances the abdominal strength of field hockey players through multiple mechanisms. The training emphasises multi-joint and compound movements, such as planks, bridges, and Russian twists, which can effectively activate the rectus abdominis and oblique abdominal muscles, improving muscle strength and endurance. At the same time, core strength training enhances the athlete's core stability and postural control, which is crucial for overall athletic performance, especially during dribbling. Enhanced pelvic and trunk stability improves the athlete's coordination during rapid turns and reduces rotation time, further improving the dribbling skills of youth hockey players. Therefore, systematic core strength training strengthens abdominal strength and significantly enhances dribbling skills. This study underscores the need for future research to be expanded to other sports and athletes of different genders to evaluate its effects on various physical fitness and skill parameters. It highlights the potential for further exploration in this field and the urgency of expanding the study to other areas of sports and athletes.

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