Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Neurocognitive Function; Eye Movements; Athletic Performance; Sensorimotor Integration; Neuroathletic Training; Proprioception; Soccer

• Registration Number: NCT07092735
• Lead Sponsor: Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of an 8-week neuro-athletic training (NAT) program in enhancing sport-specific skills and physical capacities in elite male football players aged 18-23 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a NAT intervention group or a control group that maintained standard training. The NAT program involved oculomotor, vestibular, and proprioceptive drills. Primary outcomes include passing and shooting accuracy; secondary outcomes include flexibility and isokinetic knee strength.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-06-12
• Primary Completion: 2024-07-12
• Study Completion: 2024-08-12
• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-07-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-30
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 56

Inclusion Criteria

• Male football players aged 18-23 years
• Active in the Turkish Regional Amateur League (2023-2024 season)
• Minimum of 5 years of uninterrupted football training experience
• No known neuromuscular or visual impairments
• Participation in at least four football training sessions per week
• Willingness and ability to participate in all assessments and training sessions
• Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• History of orthopedic or neurological surgery within the past year
• Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries preventing full participation
• Uncorrected visual impairment
• Use of medications affecting neuromuscular performance or coordination
• Previous or concurrent involvement in structured neuromuscular or neuro-athletic training programs
• Irregular attendance to training sessions (>20% missed)
• Any condition precluding safe participation, as determined by medical staff

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Shooting Accuracy (Mor-Christian Shooting Test)	Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).	Measured as a score (max 80) based on 16 shots from 14.5 meters toward four 45 cm targets. Assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Passing Accuracy (Mor-Christian Passing Test)	Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).	Measured as a score (max 120) based on 12 passes from 7, 8.5, and 10 meters toward a mini-goal. Assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)	Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks)	Measured in centimeters using a standard sit-and-reach box, assessing hamstring and lower back flexibility.
Isokinetic Knee Strength (ISOMED 2000 Dynamometer)	Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).	Concentric peak torque of quadriceps and hamstrings at 60°/s (5 repetitions) and 180°/s (15 repetitions), normalized to body mass (Nm/kg), and hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Balikesir University; 🇹🇷 Balıkesir, Turkey