Core Stability as a Predictive Factor in Lower Limb Injuries: A Narrative Review

Core stability, involving the coordinated function of the lumbopelvic-hip complex, plays a vital role in maintaining postural control and efficient movement during athletic activities. This narrative review explores the relationship between core stability and the risk of lower limb injuries in athletes. Evidence from recent studies indicates that deficits in core strength, endurance, neuromuscular control, and proprioception are significant contributors to non-contact injuries such as ACL tears, ankle sprains, and overuse syndromes. Neuromuscular fatigue and asymmetrical core strength, along with psychological stress, further elevate injury risk by disrupting trunk control and increasing compensatory loading on distal joints. Intervention-based studies confirm that core-focused training enhances postural alignment, balance, and injury resilience, emphasizing the importance of integrating core stability into injury prevention strategies. Overall, the findings support the use of core screening and targeted training to reduce lower extremity injury risk and improve athletic performance. Key words: core stability, core strength, lower limb injuries, athletes, lumbopelvic stability