Effect Of Flexi-Bar Training on Core Endurance, Dynamic Balance, and Hop Performance in Recreational Football Players: A Randomized Control Trial

Background Football is a high-intensity sport that demands high levels of muscle strength and endurance, which are significant predictors of athletic performance in football. The core musculature plays a vital role in generating force and transferring it to the extremities for improved coordination, agility, and sprinting. Considering the limitations of traditional core training, this clinical trial compared the effects of Flexi-Bar training and traditional core exercises on core endurance, dynamic balance, and hop performance in recreational football players. Methods Sixty male recreational football players were randomly allocated into two groups using block randomization: Flexi-Bar training (mean age = 22.3 ± 2.7 years, n = 30) and traditional core training (mean age = 21.7 ± 2.7 years, n = 30). Both groups received supervised training sessions thrice a week for four weeks, with a follow-up at three months. The outcome measures included the Y-Balance Test, Biering-Sorenson Test, Curl-Up Test, Side Bridge Test, Side Hop Test, Triple Hop Test, and Vertical Jump Test, which were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (4 weeks), and follow-up (3 months). Results The Flexi-Bar training group demonstrated statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) in all outcome measures compared to the traditional core training group. Conclusion Flexi-Bar training is more effective than traditional core training in enhancing core endurance, dynamic balance, and hop performance in college-level football players. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry India - CTRI/2024/02/063216, registered on 27/02/2024, CTRI