The Impact of Functional Movement Strength Training on Core Muscle Activation and Trunk Kinematics During Jumping Heading in Adolescent Soccer Players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.2.14Keywords:
soccer, heading, functional training, kinematics, electromyography and muscle activityAbstract
Background. Functional Movement Strength Training (FMST) integrates functional, strength, and plyometric exercises to enhance neuromuscular coordination and movement performance. Although these training modalities have been investigated individually in soccer, their combined effects on core muscle activation and trunk kinematics during jumping heading in adolescent players remain unclear.
Objectives. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week FMST program on core muscle activation and trunk kinematics during jumping heading in adolescent male soccer players.
Materials and Methods. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group was employed. Thirty adolescent soccer players were allocated into an Experimental Group (EG; n = 16), which completed an eight-week FMST program (three sessions per week), and a Control Group (CG; n = 14), which continued regular training. Muscle activity was assessed using surface electromyography, and kinematic variables of the neck, trunk, hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed during the preparation, take-off, and ball-contact phases of jumping heading. Data were analyzed using Linear Mixed Model analysis.
Results. A significant Group × Time interaction was observed for rectus abdominis (RA) activation (p < 0.05), with greater increases in the EG compared to the CG. Furthermore, significant interactions were also found for hip angle during the preparation phase, and for neck angle and trunk tilt during the take-off phase (p < 0.05). No significant differences were identified during the ball-contact phase.
Conclusions. Using FMST was associated with increased RA activation and phase-specific modifications in trunk-related kinematics during jumping heading. These findings suggest that integrated training approaches may enhance trunk control and neuromuscular coordination in adolescent soccer players.
Downloads
References
Hulteen, R.M., Smith, J.J., Morgan, P.J., Barnett, L.M., Hallal, P.C., Colyvas, K., & Lubans, D.R. (2017). Global participation in sport and leisure-time physical activities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In Preventive Medicine, 95, 14-25. Academic Press Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.11.027 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.11.027
Bonn, M.M., Harriss, A.B., Thompson, J.W. G., & Dickey, J.P. (2021). Performing more than 20 purposeful gameplay headers in a soccer season may alter autonomic function in female youth soccer players. Research in Sports Medicine, 29(5), 440-448. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2021.1888098 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2021.1888098
Sandmo, S.B., Andersen, T.E., Koerte, I.K., & Bahr, R. (2020). Head impact exposure in youth football-Are current interventions hitting the target? Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 30(1), 193-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13562 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13562
Mićović, B., Leontijević, B., Dopsaj, M., Janković, A., Milanović, Z., & Garcia Ramos, A. (2023). The Qatar 2022 World Cup warm-up: Football goal-scoring evolution in the last 14 FIFA World Cups (1966-2018). Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 954876. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.954876 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.954876
Mehnert, M.J., Agesen, T., & Malanga, G.A. (2005). “Heading” and neck injuries in soccer: A review of biomechanics and potential long-term effects. Pain Physician, 8(4), 391-397. https://doi.org/10.36076/ppj.2005/8/391 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36076/ppj.2005/8/391
Shewchenko, N., Withnall, C., Keown, M., Gittens, R., & Dvorak, J. (2005). Heading in football. Part 1: Development of biomechanical methods to investigate head response. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(SUPPL. 1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.019034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.019034
Rusdiana, A., Dede Rohmat, N., Ronald Ray, H., & Syahid, A.M. (2020). Effect of fatigue on the kinematic variables of jump header performance in soccer. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 20(2), 649-657. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.02095 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.02095
Sekine, C., Saisu, K., Hirabayashi, R., Yokota, H., Hayashi, H., Takabayashi, T., & Edama, M. (2022). Immediate Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Trunk Muscle Activity during Jump Header Shooting: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Switzerland), 10(7), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071272 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071272
Kirkendall, D.T., & Garrett, W.E. J. (2001). Heading in Soccer: Integral Skill or Grounds for Cognitive Dysfunction? Journal of Athletic Training, 36(3), 328-333. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC161559/
Doewes, R.I., Waluyo, Lohonathan, V., & Sudarmada, I.N. (2023). the Effect of Strength Training Neck Flexors and Extensors on the Biomechanics of Female’S Football Players Heading. Revista Iberoamericana de Psicologia Del Ejercicio y El Deporte, 18(4), 413-417. https://www.riped-online.com/articles/the-effect-of-strength-training-neck-flexors-and-extensors-on-the-biomechanics-of-females-football-players-heading-99843.html
Caccese, J.B., Buckley, T.A., Tierney, R.T., Arbogast, K.B., Rose, W.C., Glutting, J.J., & Kaminski, T.W. (2018). Head and neck size and neck strength predict linear and rotational acceleration during purposeful soccer heading. Sports Biomechanics, 17(4), 462-476. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2017.1360385 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2017.1360385
Becker, S., Fröhlich, M., Kelm, J., & Ludwig, O. (2018). The Influence of Fatigued Core Muscles on Head Acceleration during Headers in Soccer. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 6(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6020033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6020033
Eckner, J.T., Goshtasbi, A., Curtis, K., Kapshai, A., Myyra, E., Franco, L.M., Favre, M., Jacobson, J.A., & Ashton-Miller, J.A. (2018). Feasibility and Effect of Cervical Resistance Training on Head Kinematics in Youth Athletes: A Pilot Study. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(4), 292-297. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000000843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000000843
Kristensen, L.B., Andersen, T.B., & Sørensen, H. (2004). Optimizing segmental movement in the jumping header in soccer. Sports Biomechanics, 3(2), 195-208. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763140408522840 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14763140408522840
Kumahara, R., Sasaki, S., Sasaki, E., Kimura, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Tsuda, E., & Ishibashi, Y. (2021). Effect of a simple core muscle training program on trunk muscle strength and neuromuscular control among pediatric soccer players. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, 8(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40634-021-00353-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40634-021-00353-y
Sasaki, S., Tsuda, E., Yamamoto, Y., Maeda, S., Kimura, Y., Fujita, Y., & Ishibashi, Y. (2019). Core-Muscle Training and Neuromuscular Control of the Lower Limb and Trunk. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(9), 959-969. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-113-17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-113-17
Lifshitz, L., Bar Sela, S., Gal, N., Martin, R., & Fleitman Klar, M. (2020). Iliopsoas the Hidden Muscle: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 19(6), 235-243. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000723 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000723
Matsuda, S., Yasui, S., & Naito, Y. (2024). Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2350794 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2350794
Müller, C., & Zentgraf, K. (2021). Neck and Trunk Strength Training to Mitigate Head Acceleration in Youth Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(12S), S81-S89. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003822 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003822
Carvutto, R., Damasco, C., & De Candia, M. (2021). Non-traditional training in youth soccer players: Effects on agility and on sprint performance. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 16(Proc4), 1666-1673. https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2021.16.Proc4.13 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2021.16.Proc4.13
Jia, W. (2023). Effect of 12 Weeks of Functional Training on College Soccer Players. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Do Esporte, 29, 10-13. https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0805 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0805
Philip, E.C., Pulicken, R.J., Remya N, Alwin, C., Anumol C, & Baby, R.E. (2022). Effect of Functional Training on Speed Agility Explosive Power and Aerobic Endurance In Recreational Soccer Players. International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research, 10(2), 4162-4169. https://doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2022.109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2022.109
Sonesson, S., Hägglund, M., Kvist, J., Torvaldsson, K., Lindblom, H., & Fältström, A. (2022). Neuromuscular control and hop performance in youth and adult male and female football players. Physical Therapy in Sport, 55, 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.04.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.04.004
Wojtusch, J., & Von Stryk, O. (2015). HuMoD - A versatile and open database for the investigation, modeling and simulation of human motion dynamics on actuation level. IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots, 2015-Decem(November 2015), 74-79. https://doi.org/10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2015.7363534 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/HUMANOIDS.2015.7363534
Aslam, S., Habyarimana, J.D. D., & Bin, S.Y. (2025). Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training in elite versus recreational athletes. In Frontiers in Physiology, 16. Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1598149 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1598149
Del Vecchio, A., Casolo, A., Negro, F., Scorcelletti, M., Bazzucchi, I., Enoka, R., Felici, F., & Farina, D. (2019). The increase in muscle force after 4 weeks of strength training is mediated by adaptations in motor unit recruitment and rate coding. Journal of Physiology, 597(7), 1873-1887. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP277250 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1113/JP277250
Khazaei, L., Parnow, A., & Amani-shalamzari, S. (2023). Comparing the effects of traditional resistance training and functional training on the bio-motor capacities of female elite taekwondo athletes. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 15(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00754-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00754-9
Wang, X., Soh, K.G., Deng, N., Zhang, D., Cao, S., & Samsudin, S. (2024). Effects of functional training on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen in wushu athletes: A systematic review. Heliyon, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24087 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24087
Xiao, W., Soh, K.G., Wazir, M.R. W.N., Talib, O., Bai, X., Bu, T., Sun, H., Popovic, S., Masanovic, B., & Gardasevic, J. (2021). Effect of Functional Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review. In Frontiers in Physiology, 12. Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.738878 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.738878
Xiao, W., Bu, T., Zhang, J., Cai, H., Zhu, W., Bai, X., Zhang, L., & Geok, S.K. (2025). Effects of functional training on physical and technical performance among the athletic population: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01040-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-01040-y
Tomljanović, M., Spasić, M., Gabrilo, G., Uljević, O., & Foretić, N. (2011). Effects of Five Weeks of Functional Vs. Traditional Resistance Training on Anthropometric and Motor Performance Variables. / Efekti 5-Tjednog Funkcionalnoga I Tradicionalnogatreninga S Opterećenjem Na Antropometrijskekarakteristike I Motoričke Sposobnosti. Kinesiology, 43(2), 145-154. https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/112034
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nugroho Agung Supriyanto, Rosy Setiawati, Damayanti Tinduh
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
