Effectiveness of core stability programs in the prevention of sports injuries: a scope review

Core stability is essential for maintaining postural alignment and preventing injuries during athletic activities. A growing body of literature suggests that structured core stability programs can reduce the risk of both upper and lower limb injuries across various sports. However, the evidence remains scattered and inconsistent, particularly regarding specific populations and sports contexts.

This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out across MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, PEDro, Scopus, and grey literature databases. Studies were included if they investigated the impact of core stability training on injury prevention in athletic populations, using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. Data extraction focused on participant characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and conclusions.

Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. The studies involved athletes aged 8 to 58 years across six sports disciplines (soccer, Gaelic football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and swimming). All included interventions demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing injury incidence, improving neuromuscular control, and enhancing dynamic stability. However, variability in training protocols and methodological quality limited cross-study comparability. Most interventions were low-cost, equipment-free, and feasible in both team and individual settings.

Core stability training shows strong potential as a preventive strategy in sports injury management. Despite the variability among existing studies, the consistent positive effects suggest the need for broader integration into routine athletic training. Future research should aim to standardize protocols and explore long-term efficacy across diverse athletic populations.