Core stability training and sports performance: A bibliometric mapping (2000–2025)

Authors

• Mimi Guo, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, MalaysiaFollow
• Muhamad Hafiz Bin Ismail, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, MalaysiaFollow
• Diyana Z. Abdul Ghani, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, MalaysiaFollow
• Qi Liang, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, MalaysiaFollow
• Yifei Gao, College Of Physical Education, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116 Jiangsu, ChinaFollow

Abstract

Background: Core stability training has become an important topic in sports science because of its proposed role in athletic performance enhancement, injury prevention, and neuromuscular control. This study aimed to map the knowledge structure, research trends, and collaboration patterns in this field. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection. Articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2025 were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria. A total of 559 publications were included and analyzed using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny. Results: Scientific output increased markedly over time, particularly after 2020. The USA and China were the leading contributors in publication volume, whereas several European countries showed relatively high citation impact per article. Thematic analysis identified two major research streams: one focused on injury prevention and neuromuscular control, and the other on strength, balance, and performance enhancement. Collaboration analysis revealed a core–periphery structure led by North America, Europe, and emerging Asian contributors. Conclusions: Research on core stability training has expanded rapidly and become increasingly interdisciplinary. The field has evolved from a predominantly rehabilitation-oriented topic toward broader applications in sports performance and injury prevention. Future studies should strengthen international collaboration, broaden database coverage, and incorporate emerging technologies to improve evidence synthesis and performance assessment.

Recommended Citation

Guo M, Bin Ismail MH, Abdul Ghani DZB, Liang Q, Gao Y. Core stability training and sports performance: A bibliometric mapping (2000–2025). Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(3):Article4. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.3.04

Author ORCID Identifier

Mimi Guo, ORCID: 0009-0005-4649-9657

Muhamad Hafiz Bin Ismail, ORCID: 0009-0000-4571-0514

Diyana Zulaika Binti Abdul Ghan, ORCID: 0000-0003-2551-959X

Qi Liang, ORCID: 0009-0005-7775-3208

Yifei Gao, ORCID: 0009-0000-7143-3389

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.