Effectiveness of core strength training for racket sport athletes’ performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis examined the effects of core strength training (CST) on physical fitness and technical performance in racket sport athletes. Eighteen studies involving tennis, badminton, and table tennis were included. Compared with control conditions, CST was associated with significant improvements in several physical performance outcomes, including balance, agility, core endurance, and muscular strength. In addition, CST demonstrated beneficial effects on technical performance indicators such as ball velocity, spin control, and shot accuracy. Given the shared biomechanical demands of racket sports, including trunk rotation, kinetic chain efficiency, and coordinated whole-body movement, these findings support the role of CST as a targeted, sport-specific training strategy. This study provides the first quantitative synthesis focusing exclusively on racket sport athletes, offering practical insights for coaches and practitioners seeking to enhance performance within high-speed, multidirectional racket sport contexts.