The Impact of Functional Movement Strength Training on Core Muscle Activation and Trunk Kinematics During Jumping Heading in Adolescent Soccer Players

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.