Effects of an 8-week mat Pilates intervention on trunk strength and core endurance in pre-pubertal male soccer players: A randomized controlled trial

Hüseyin Topçu; Cansu Çelik

Authors

Hüseyin Topçu Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0623-883X
Cansu Çelik Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2572-0508

Keywords:

Core endurance, Pilates, pre-pubertal athletes, trunk muscle strength, youth soccer

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the effects of an 8-week Mat Pilates intervention, performed in addition to regular soccer training, on trunk strength, muscular endurance, and core stability in pre-pubertal male soccer players. Method: Forty boys aged 11–13 years were randomly assigned to a Pilates group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Both groups continued their standard soccer training three times per week, while the Pilates group additionally completed supervised Mat Pilates sessions twice weekly for eight weeks. Maximal isometric back and leg strength was assessed using dynamometry, dynamic abdominal endurance via a sit-up test, and static core stability using the prone plank test before and after the intervention. Results: Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 mixed-model ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc analyses. A significant Group × Time interaction was observed for isometric strength (p = .018, ηp² = 0.184), with the Pilates group demonstrating a significant increase from pre- to post-test, whereas no meaningful change occurred in the control group. For abdominal endurance, a significant main effect of time was found (p < .001), indicating improvements in both groups, but no interaction effect was detected. Conclusion: Static core stability showed a positive trend in the Pilates group; however, the interaction did not reach statistical significance.

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References

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Effects of an 8-week mat Pilates intervention on trunk strength and core endurance in pre-pubertal male soccer players: A randomized controlled trial

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