Evaluating the Association Between Lumbopelvic Stability, Deceleration Capacity, and Functional Athletic Performance in Football: A Systematic Scoping Review of Current Evidence

Introduction: Football involves intense multi-directional actions requiring rapid deceleration, braking, and changes of direction. While core stability is hypothesized to optimize force transfer and lumbopelvic control during high-load braking, evidence regarding its direct impact on deceleration metrics remains fragmented across athletic literature. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesize current evidence on core stability strength, deceleration control, dynamic alignment, and functional performance in football players. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, electronic searches were performed across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and ResearchGate for English-language peer-reviewed literature published within the last decade (2016–2026). Search strategy utilized Boolean logic combining terms for core stability, deceleration control, and football athletes. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental designs involving male and female football players aged 15–35 years. Results: Eighteen primary studies and systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was evaluated using Cochrane RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and AMSTAR 2. Synthesized evidence demonstrates that core training significantly improves trunk endurance, dynamic balance, sprint acceleration, and change-of-direction agility. Biomechanical studies confirmed that core stability reduces external knee valgus moments and anterior shear forces during cutting. However, direct measures of peak deceleration performance showed limited isolated gains unless combined with lower-limb eccentric strength and braking drills. Conclusions: Core stability strength provides a crucial proximal foundation that optimizes force absorption and postural control during deceleration. However, core training alone is insufficient to maximize deceleration capacity and should be integrated within multi-component conditioning programs alongside eccentric lower-limb strengthening and sports-specific braking drills.