The Role of Stabilization Exercise in Preventing Pain and Postural Defects in Young Football Players.

Background/

Objectives

Maintaining proper posture and preventing musculoskeletal pain are essential for the healthy development of young football players. Contemporary concepts of postural control emphasize the importance of the lumbopelvic-hip complex and the activation of deep trunk muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured core stabilization training program on postural parameters and pain reduction in young football players.

Methods

A total of 182 male football players, aged 9-15 years, were enrolled and allocated to either the intervention or control group. The 12-week intervention consisted of exercises targeting both local and global trunk stabilizers. Assessments included measurements of spinal curvatures, trunk rotation angles, lower limb loading symmetry, and postural stability using the TMX-127 digital inclinometer (Saunders Group Inc., Chaska, MN, USA) and the Baseline scoliometer (Fabrication Enterprises, Inc. New York, USA). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Repeated-measures statistical analyses were performed with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The intervention group showed significant improvements in trunk rotational parameters, with reductions in ATR values at C7/Th1 (-0.54°) and L5/S1 (-0.49°). SATR values decreased by -0.28° between the second and third assessments. Symmetry of lower limb loading under eyes-open conditions improved significantly (p < 0.00195). No significant changes were observed in dynamic balance, as assessed by the Y-Balance Test (p > 0.05). Pain intensity decreased from 3.33 to 2.55 on the VAS, reflecting a reduction of 0.78 points.

Conclusions

Systematic core stabilization training enhances postural quality and reduces the occurrence and severity of musculoskeletal pain in young football players, with lasting effects-except for postural control under conditions of reduced visual input. This type of training represents an effective physioprophylactic strategy, supporting postural control and lowering the risk of injuries. To maintain these benefits, continued training that incorporates balance and proprioceptive exercises is recommended.