Instability Training With Resistance Bands and Swiss Ball Improves Balance, Fitness, and Foot Loading in Elite Taekwondo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of an eight-week instability training program incorporating Swiss balls and resistance bands (TheraBands) on balance performance, physical fitness, and plantar pressure distribution in elite Taekwondo athletes. A total of 40 participants, aged 18–30 years, will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving additional instability-based training or a control group performing regular Taekwondo training only. Training sessions will be conducted three times per week for 60 minutes, focusing on core stability, lower-limb strength, and postural control. Primary outcome measures will include dynamic balance performance assessed with a balance assessment system, while secondary measures will include plantar pressure distribution, physical fitness parameters, and agility. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks), post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow-up (4–6 weeks after training). The findings are expected to provide evidence-based insights into targeted training strategies for enhancing performance and injury prevention in elite combat sport athletes.