The effects of core training on athletic performance (speed and jumping) in different sports: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive, holistic examination, using meta-analysis, of the effects of core stabilisation training on speed and jumping-key indicators of athletic performance-in individuals participating in various sports.

Studies published in Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar between 2020 and June 2026 examining speed and jumping performance were screened. Studies involving pre-test-post-test designs with experimental and control groups were recorded for analysis. A total of 49 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. This meta-analysis followed the PRISMA statement reporting guidelines. The CMA Ver. 2.0 statistical package was used to assess publication bias, calculate means and standard deviations, determine effect sizes and perform moderator analyses. The I² statistic assessed heterogeneity between studies; 25 per cent, 50 per cent and 75 per cent cut-off values represent low, moderate and high levels, respectively. Due to anticipated clinical and methodological diversity across sports disciplines, participant competitive levels, and test protocols, a random-effects model was applied a priori for all pooled analyses across speed and jumping outcomes. All estimates are reported with corresponding 95 per cent confidence intervals (CI). The α level was set at 0.05 for statistical significance.

The findings of this meta-analysis, which included a total of 49 studies, indicate that core training has a positive effect on the speed and jumping performance of individuals participating in various sports. The overall effect size calculated for speed performance was 0.601, whilst the overall effect size for jumping performance was determined to be 0.489. These findings indicate that core training has a positive effect on both speed and jumping performance.

Core training is a useful complementary method for improving speed and jumping performance. Its effectiveness depends not only on training duration and sample size but also on exercise selection, intensity, frequency, athlete characteristics, and sport specificity. Therefore, combining core training with sport-specific sprint, strength, and plyometric exercises may enhance athletic performance.