Athletic Performance, Neurocognitive Function, Proprioception, Soccer, Sensorimotor Integration, Eye Movements, Neuroathletic Training
Conditions
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALNeuro-Athletic Training
Participants receive a structured 8-week NAT program including oculomotor, vestibular, and proprioceptive drills, 3 sessions/week (35-45 minutes each).
OTHERStandard Training
Participants continue their standard in-season football training program without any NAT components.
Sponsors
Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcome assessments were performed by an independent physiotherapist who was blinded to group allocation to reduce measurement bias. Additionally, the researcher conducting the statistical analysis was also blinded to group assignments to ensure data objectivity. Participants and intervention providers were not blinded due to the nature of the behavioral intervention.
Intervention model description
This study used a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design with pre- and post-intervention assessments. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Neuro-Athletic Training (NAT) group or a control group. The NAT group received an 8-week structured program targeting sensorimotor integration through oculomotor, vestibular, and proprioceptive drills, while the control group continued standard football training without additional interventions. Outcome assessors and statistical analysts were blinded to group allocations. The study was conducted under standardized conditions to ensure methodological rigor and group comparability.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 23 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed