Effects and dose-response relationship of core strength training on balance performance in adolescent athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 1College of Education, Beijing Sport University
- 2Department of Military Physical Education, National University of Defense Technology
Abstract
Core strength training (CST) is widely prescribed to improve balance performance, yet its dose-response relationship in adolescent athletes has not been quantified. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of parallel-group randomized controlled trials evaluating CST versus control on balance outcomes in adolescent athletes aged 10–19 years. Six databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2026. Hedges’ g values were pooled under random-effects models; six training parameters were examined by univariate meta-regression, and restricted cubic splines were used to model dose-response relationships. Thirteen RCTs (n = 337) were included. CST produced a moderate-to-large improvement in balance performance (g = 0.84, 95% CI 0.38–1.30, p < 0.001), with larger effects for dynamic (g = 1.01) than static (g = 0.39) balance. Session duration was the only parameter showing a significant non-linear dose-response relationship (p < 0.001), with effects peaking at 31–45 min per session. Certainty of evidence was low (dynamic) to very low (static) by GRADE. A trim-and-fill sensitivity analysis attenuated the pooled estimate (g = 0.60, 95% CI 0.10–1.10) but it remained statistically significant. CST was associated with improved balance in adolescent athletes, with session durations of 31–45 min yielding the largest effects; this dose-response finding is exploratory and requires prospective confirmation.
Related
- Relationship of Biochemical Response as Surrogate Endpoints with Long-Term Outcomes in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Temporal changes and reference values for adolescent handgrip strength in the Republic of Korea: A 9-year analysis of the KNHANES cohort
- The relationship between cardiometabolic disease and vertebral bone strength, mineral density, and mass in US adults
- From Stress to Strength: Fostering a Positive Learning Climate to Promote Learning, Performance, and Well-Being.
- Relationship between upward social comparison and adolescent depression: moderating roles of football participation
BibTeX
@article{li2026effects,
title = {{Effects and dose-response relationship of core strength training on balance performance in adolescent athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis}},
author = {Ziao Li and Panfeng Liu and Jiexing Yan},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-69529-9},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-69529-9},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effects and dose-response relationship of core strength training on balance performance in adolescent athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AU - Ziao Li
AU - Panfeng Liu
AU - Jiexing Yan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-69529-9
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-69529-9
AB - Core strength training (CST) is widely prescribed to improve balance performance, yet its dose-response relationship in adolescent athletes has not been quantified. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of parallel-group randomized controlled trials evaluating CST versus control on balance outcomes in adolescent athletes aged 10–19 years. Six databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2026. Hedges’ g values were pooled under random-effects models; six training parameters were examined by univariate meta-regression, and restricted cubic splines were used to model dose-response relationships. Thirteen RCTs (n = 337) were included. CST produced a moderate-to-large improvement in balance performance (g = 0.84, 95% CI 0.38–1.30, p < 0.001), with larger effects for dynamic (g = 1.01) than static (g = 0.39) balance. Session duration was the only parameter showing a significant non-linear dose-response relationship (p < 0.001), with effects peaking at 31–45 min per session. Certainty of evidence was low (dynamic) to very low (static) by GRADE. A trim-and-fill sensitivity analysis attenuated the pooled estimate (g = 0.60, 95% CI 0.10–1.10) but it remained statistically significant. CST was associated with improved balance in adolescent athletes, with session durations of 31–45 min yielding the largest effects; this dose-response finding is exploratory and requires prospective confirmation.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -