THE HIDDEN INFLUENCE OF CORE MUSCLE IMBALANCE ON LOWER-LIMB PERFORMANCE AND INJURY RISK IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Background of the Study: Lower-limb impairments are common in athletes and are often linked to deficits in neuromuscular control, alignment and movement quality. Core muscle imbalance is thought to influence hip, knee and ankle mechanics by disrupting stability in the kinetic chain. This imbalance can increase the risk of valgus collapse, ankle instability and reduced balance performance. Despite growing evidence, the direct association between core imbalance and lower limb dysfunction across different sports is still not well established. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 athletes aged 18 to 30 from football, basketball and badminton. Core endurance was assessed using the plank, side bridge and trunk flexor endurance tests. Lower-limb impairments were evaluated using hip abductor strength testing with a dynamometer, knee valgus measurement through single-leg squat video analysis, ankle stability tests and the Y-Balance Test. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and Pearson correlations were used to determine the association between variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The analysis showed strong correlations between core muscle imbalance and several lower-limb impairments. Poor core endurance was associated with increased knee valgus angle (r = .61, p < .001), reduced hip abductor strength (r = .54, p < .001) and lower Y-Balance composite scores (r = .49, p < .01). Athletes with side bridge asymmetry demonstrated higher rates of ankle instability. Football athletes showed the highest imbalance, while badminton athletes had better balance scores. Conclusion: Core muscle imbalance significantly contributes to lower-limb impairments in athletes. Addressing core endurance and symmetry within training and rehabilitation programs may help reduce injury risk and improve movement quality. These findings support the integration of core-focused conditioning into sports performance and injury-prevention strategies.