Effect of Core Stability Training Versus Plyometric Training on Dynamic Balance in Collegiate Soccer Players

Background and Objectives: Soccer is a globally renowned sport that has garnered immense popularity, with a growing number of participants and enthusiasts. It is an intermittent sport that requires different physiological components. In modern football, physiological considerations are increasingly essential to enhance optimal performance. A soccer player can produce varied high-speed actions that are known to have an impact on their performance. Dynamic balance relates to stability maintenance during the performance of dynamic movements. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of core stability training versus plyometric training on dynamic balance in collegiate soccer players. Methods: An experimental study that included 30 soccer players who were selected based on the selection criteria and were divided into 2 groups. Players in Group A underwent Core Stability training whereas Players in Group B underwent Plyometric training along with their regular soccer training. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y balance test. The total study duration is 6 months and each player received training for 4 weeks. Result: The result showed that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values of the Y balance test (Anterior direction: ‘t’ value = 16.20, Posteromedial direction: ‘t’ value = 7.67, Posterolateral direction: ‘t’ value = 12.61) among subjects of Group A than Group B. Conclusion: The study concludes that Core stability training is more effective in improving dynamic balance than Plyometric training in Collegiate soccer players.