The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer

ERASLAN M., GÜRKAN A. C., Aydın S., Şahin M., ÇELİK S., Söyler M., ...Daha Fazla

Medicina (Lithuania), cilt.61, sa.2, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • 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.