1. The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer.
- Author
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Eraslan M, Gürkan AC, Aydın S, Şahin M, Çelik S, Söyler M, Altuğ T, and Mülhim MA
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Young Adult, Athletes statistics & numerical data, Adolescent, Physical Fitness physiology, Turkey, Body Composition physiology, Soccer physiology, Proprioception physiology, Athletic Performance physiology
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study analyzes the effects of proprioceptive training on the physical fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation's Third League, aged 20.46 ± 1.60 years (average), participated voluntarily. Body composition was assessed with the Inbody270 bioelectrical impedance analyzer, while agility and maximal VO
2 cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat. Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with paired sample t -tests for comparisons, Cohen's d test for effect size, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA for interaction effects (group × time). Eta squared (η2 ) values were reported for effect size. A 95% confidence level and p = 0.05 were used. Results: Proprioceptive training significantly improved body fat percentage ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.302), alternating foot juggling ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.271), right foot juggling ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.250), and shooting performance ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.513). Conclusions: A 12-week proprioceptive training program, when incorporated into soccer practice, significantly enhances soccer-specific technical skills and reduces body fat percentage.- Published
- 2025
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