The Effect of Neuroathletic Training in Cross-country Skiers

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Skiing/Snowboarding

• Registration Number: NCT06743230
• Lead Sponsor: Karabuk University

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of neuro-athletic training on physical performance and position sense in cross-country skiers.

Detailed Description

Cross-country skiing is the least dangerous but tiring winter sport performed in snowy environments with different heights, distances, and slopes using ski equipment such as skis, shoes, and poles with various features. In this sport, both the lower and upper body require rapid power production and high maximal oxygen consumption. When technique, conditioning, and skill are combined in cross-country skiing, the resulting performance reaches the highest level. In order for an athlete to perform well, they must have the capacity to produce power continuously and quickly. Cross-country skiing is often associated with the development of strength, speed, agility, balance, endurance, fatigue resistance, and oxygen capacity. Physical training alone is not enough for an athlete to achieve high success. Physical training must be combined with the visual system, vestibular system, and proprioceptive system. The quality of the stimuli coming from these systems in an athlete positively affects the athlete's physical performance and success in competitions. Therefore, in addition to the physical training that the athlete will do, neuro-athletic training that stimulates the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems will be implemented in the cross-country skiing sports branch, considering that it can increase the athlete's performance by improving muscle strength, core endurance, balance, and proprioceptive sense. The sample of the study will consist of 26 cross-country skiing athletes between the ages of 12-18 who participate in training at the Arkut Cross-Country and Biathlon Center. The athletes will be randomly divided into 2 groups by coin toss method. All athletes will participate in routine training. Neuroathletic training will be given to one group in addition to routine training, and its effect on the athletes' performance will be examined.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-16
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-19
• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-01
• Study Completion: 2025-03-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-07

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 28

Inclusion Criteria

• Have been cross-country skiing for at least 3 years and regularly participate in training
• Be a volunteer
• Complete a Trail Making Test

Exclusion Criteria

• Have had lower extremity surgery in the last 2 years
• Have no neurological or orthopedic disorders

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Knee Joint Position Sense	8 weeks	Knee joint position sense will be measured using the passive-active repositioning method with a digital inclinometer.
Dynamic balance	8 weeks	Dynamic balance will be evaluated with the Y balance test.
Muscle strength	8 weeks	Knee flexion and extension isometric muscle strength will be measured with a handheld dynamometer.
Trunk Flexion Endurance Test	8 weeks	The time that athletes can maintain a stance with their trunk at 60° flexion and their hips and knees at 90° flexion will be measured with a stopwatch.
Side Bridge Endurance Test	8 weeks	Athletes will be asked to perform a side bridge in a side-lying position, with legs extended, one foot in front of the other, the body in a straight line, with the elbow joint flexed on the same side, supported by the forearm. The time they can maintain this position will be recorded with a stopwatch.
Slalom Test	8 weeks	For this test, 6 cones will be placed on a 12-meter track at 2-meter intervals. Athletes were asked to run between the cones at maximum speed and the elapsed time will be recorded with a stopwatch.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Arkut Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon Center; 🇹🇷 Bolu, Turkey