Background: Core stability is essential for enhancing performance and minimizing injury risk in sports requiring balance and dynamic movement, such as skating. While core training has demonstrated performance benefits in various sports, limited research has investigated its specific impact on adolescent skaters. Objective: This study examined the effects of an 8-week progressive core stabilization exercise program on core stability and speed performance in competitive adolescent skaters. Methods: One hundred fifty competitive adolescent speed skaters (aged 9-14 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 75) or a control group (n = 75). The experimental group participated in a progressive core stabilization program three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to their regular skating training. The control group continued their regular training only. Core stability was assessed using McGill`s Core Endurance Test Battery, and speed performance was measured using a timed 300-meter skating sprint. Pre- and post-intervention scores were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in all core endurance measures (p < 0.001) and 300-meter sprint performance (mean improvement: -0.68 seconds, p < 0.01), while the control group showed no significant changes. Between- group comparisons post-intervention confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention (p < 0.01). Conclusion: An 8-week progressive core stabilization program significantly enhanced both core endurance and skating speed in competitive adolescent skaters. These findings support the integration of core training into regular athletic conditioning for improved performance outcomes.
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