Published Paper Details:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core stability training and fartlek training on endurance among football players. Sixty (N=60) male football players from Kadapa district, aged 17-23 years, who had participated in inter-collegiate tournaments, were randomly divided into three groups: Core Stability Training Group (n=20), Fartlek Training Group (n=20), and Control Group (n=20). The experimental groups underwent their respective training programs for 12 weeks, while the control group did not receive any special training. Endurance was assessed through a standard test before and after training, and the data were analyzed using ANCOVA. The pre-test mean values of endurance were 5.11 (CST), 5.22 (FT), and 5.42 (CG), with no significant difference among the groups (F=1.34, p>0.05). The post-test mean values improved to 5.69 (CST), 6.23 (FT), and 5.46 (CG), showing a significant difference (F=6.27, p<0.05). The adjusted post-test means were 5.84 (CST), 6.26 (FT), and 5.28 (CG), with an obtained F-value of 58.98, which was greater than the critical value of 3.16 (p<0.05). Post hoc analysis confirmed that both CST and FT significantly improved endurance compared to the control group, with fartlek training producing superior gains (mean difference = 0.98) compared to CST (mean difference = 0.56). The findings indicate that both core stability training and fartlek training are effective in enhancing endurance, but fartlek training is more impactful due to its direct stimulation of aerobic and anaerobic systems relevant to football performance. Core stability training, while less effective than fartlek, still provides meaningful improvements by enhancing posture, trunk control, and running economy.