Effects of core training on physical performance of team sport athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of the present systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Core Strength Training (CST) on physical performance outcomes specifically in team-sport athletes. A systematic search was conducted across Web of Sciences (all databases), Scopus, PubMed, and SportDiscus up to January 2025. Thirty-four studies (1,006 participants) were included, of which 21 (n = 643) were integrated into the meta-analysis. CST produced significant improvements in strength (SMD = 0.52), speed (SMD = –0.54), change of direction (COD) (SMD = –0.52), power (SMD = 0.43), balance (SMD = 0.83), athletic performance ₁ (AP ₁ ) (SMD = 0.61), and athletic performance ₂ (AP ₂ ) (SMD = –2.66). Subgroup analyses revealed that males improved across all outcomes, while females showed improvements primarily in strength and power. Non-elite athletes benefited across all variables, whereas elite athletes improved in strength, speed, power, balance, and AP ₁ . Adults improved across most outcomes, adolescents improved in strength, speed, power, balance, and AP ₁ , and children improved only in strength. Moderator analyses indicated that programmes lasting ≤8 weeks improved all outcomes except AP ₁ , while >8-week programmes improved only strength and speed. Training frequencies of ≤2 days/week improved most outcomes except COD and AP ₁ , whereas 3 days/week improved all outcomes except AP ₂ . CST meaningfully enhances multiple physical performance outcomes in team-sport athletes. The largest benefits were observed in males, non-elite athletes, and adults, with more modest improvements in females, adolescents, and children. Programmes lasting ≤8 weeks and delivered 2–3 times per week appear to be the most effective configuration for improving performance.