The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer
Medicina (Lithuania), cilt.61, sa.2, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 61 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/medicina61020252
- Dergi Adı: Medicina (Lithuania)
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: athletic development, exercise physiology, neuromuscular control, proprioceptive training, regular physical activity, rehabilitation techniques, soccer performance
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
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 VO2 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.