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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
The effects of a combined proprioceptive and yoga training program on agility, balance, and flexibility in adolescent male soccer players
Authors
Dr. M Jayachira
Abstract

Background: Soccer performance depends on superior physical fitness, particularly agility, dynamic balance, and flexibility, to prevent injuries and enhance on-field execution. While proprioceptive and yoga training are independently recognised for improving these variables, the synergistic effect of a combined intervention program remains underexplored in youth athletic populations.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a structured 12-week combined proprioceptive and yoga training program on selected physical fitness variables among school-level male soccer players.

Methods: Forty-eight athletes (mean age: 15.2 ± 0.8 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=24) that underwent the combined training in addition to their regular soccer practice, or a control group (n=24) that continued with standard practice alone. Agility was assessed using the Illinois Agility Test, dynamic balance was measured with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and flexibility was evaluated via the Sit-and-Reach Test. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected and analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Findings: Post-test results revealed statistically significant improvements (p<0.01) in the experimental group compared to the control group across all measured variables. The experimental group demonstrated superior gains in agility (reduced completion time), dynamic balance (increased reach distance in all SEBT directions), and flexibility.

Conclusion: A combined proprioceptive and yoga training program is a highly effective adjunct to regular soccer training for enhancing key physical fitness components in adolescent male players. The findings advocate for integrating such multidisciplinary interventions into standard athletic conditioning regimens to optimise performance and potentially mitigate injury risk.
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Pages:4-7
How to cite this article:
Dr. M Jayachira "The effects of a combined proprioceptive and yoga training program on agility, balance, and flexibility in adolescent male soccer players". World Journal of Sports, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 4-7
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