1.    Introduction
Taekwondo is an Olympic combat sport typically contested in three two-minute rounds, with one-minute intervals between each round. The objective of the competition is to defeat the opponent by scoring more points or achieving a knockout (1). The footwork skills essential in taekwondo rely heavily on muscle power, particularly focused on the knee joint. However, movements such as landing or changing direction during jumps can lead to various injuries, with the lower limbs being most susceptible (2-4). Given the importance of jumping and directional changes in taekwondo, training programs are essential to enhance balance and prevent injuries among practitioners (5). Studies have shown that the injury prevalence rate is 62.9 per 1,000 athletes exposed to competition, with men experiencing the highest injury rates and ankle sprains being the most common injury type (6, 7). Balance is a crucial factor influencing both the performance and longevity of professional taekwondo practitioners (8). In sports, balance is vital for maintaining posture and executing tasks, as it is closely linked to motor performance capacity (9). Consequently, both static and dynamic balance are associated with improved performance (12). In biomechanics, balance is often measured by analyzing the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement of the center of pressure and body velocity (13).
2.    Methods
The current research is a semi-experimental field study. The statistical population consisted of 30 male taekwondo practitioners aged 10-15 from Mashhad city, who were purposefully selected. Based on G.Power software calculations, 30 participants were chosen according to specific criteria and were then randomly divided into two groups: 15 participants in the control group and 15 in the experimental group. Participants were selected based on the following criteria: regular engagement in taekwondo exercises for at least three years (without any competition history), with a frequency of three sessions per week, each lasting 1.5 hours. Initially, all participants’ parents provided written consent for their children to participate in the research. The inclusion criteria included an age range of 10 to 15 years, a consistent exercise history (at least three sessions per week for 1.5 hours) in the past year, and the absence of acute or chronic injuries and underlying diseases. In the first step, demographic information of the participants was recorded. Each subject then performed the one-leg jump test, one-leg triple jump test, and dynamic balance test, with the results recorded as pre-test data. Over the next six weeks, the experimental group engaged in a central stability exercise program, while the control group did not receive any specific intervention. After six weeks, all tests were repeated, and the results were recorded as post-test data for each participant.
3.    Results
The results of the Shapiro-Wilk test confirmed the normality of all research data. The findings indicated that after six weeks of the exercise program, there was a significant improvement in dynamic balance in the posterior-internal direction (P=0.021) and overall performance (P=0.002) in the exercise group compared to the control group. Central stability exercises play a crucial role in enhancing both movement and stability in the core region of the body. These exercises not only increase core strength and stability but also improve an individual's ability to maintain the body's center of mass within the base of support, thereby enhancing balance. Core stability is considered an essential component of athletic performance. The activation of various body parts along the kinetic chain contributes to overall performance. For optimal performance, the core must effectively position the distal parts of the body with proper timing and speed. Achieving this requires both strength and balance. The primary function of the core is to generate the necessary strength for movement activities. Since the core serves as the connection point for all kinetic chains during dynamic activities, including sports, controlling the strength, balance, and movement of the core maximizes the performance of both the upper and lower limbs.  In summary, because the core serves as the central hub for power transfer across all movement chains during dynamic activities, its strength and stability are vital for optimal athletic performance.
4.    Conclusion
This research aimed to investigate the effect of six weeks of central stability exercises on the balance and performance of male taekwondo practitioners. The results demonstrated that central stability exercises can enhance both balance and performance in taekwondo athletes. In taekwondo competitions, balance is crucial for maintaining posture and executing performance skills (35, 36). Central stability exercises can enhance proprioception in the core region, leading to improved balance. Studies indicate that 6 to 12 weeks of central stability training can significantly enhance balance performance (37-42). The results of this study are consistent with findings from research investigating the effects of eight weeks of static and dynamic central stability exercises on kicking strength and speed in taekwondo players (44), as well as with the results of Alikhani et al. (2014), who reported a significant improvement in balance among football players after eight weeks of central stability exercises using a Swiss ball (45). This study suggests that the mechanism by which central stability exercises improve balance may involve increasing the strength and stability of the abdominal muscles, thereby enhancing the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass within the limits of the base of support (34). These findings align with the study by Kabadayı et al. (2022), which reported significant improvements in jumping performance among karate athletes following eight weeks of central stability exercises (49, 50). Based on these findings, it is recommended to incorporate central stability exercises alongside traditional taekwondo training as an effective strategy to improve balance, movement performance, and jumping ability, as well as to prevent injuries.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
There were no ethical considerations to be addressed in this research.
Funding
This research did not receive any financial support from government, private, or non-profit organizations.
Authors' contributions
All authors contributed equally to preparing the article.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this article.