Athletic Performance, Athletic Performance Enhancement, Neuromuscular Adaptations
Conditions
Keywords
Neuro-athletic training, Goalkeeper performance, Dynamic balance, Agility, Visual-motor integration
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week neuro-athletic training (NAT) program on dynamic balance, explosive strength, grip strength, and agility in elite soccer goalkeepers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving NAT in addition to regular training or a control group continuing standard training. Pre- and post-intervention performance assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
Detailed description
This study was designed as a parallel-group randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest structure to examine the neuromuscular and performance adaptations induced by neuro-athletic training (NAT) in elite soccer goalkeepers. A total of 16 athletes competing in the TFF 3rd League and Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=8) or a control group (n=8). The experimental group completed an 8-week NAT intervention in addition to their regular football training, while the control group continued standard training routines. The NAT program was conducted twice weekly and incorporated visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive exercises using specialized tools such as Brock strings, pinhole glasses, and Marsden balls. The intervention followed a progressive structure across four phases, targeting visual clarity, coordination, peripheral awareness, and dynamic integration. Primary performance outcomes included dynamic balance (Y Balance Test), agility (T-test), vertical jump (CMJ), and handgrip strength. Measurements were obtained under standardized conditions before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether integrating neuro-athletic components into training enhances both neuromuscular efficiency and sport-specific performance in goalkeepers.
Interventions
OTHERNeuro-Athletic Training Group
Participants completed an 8-week neuro-athletic training program in addition to regular football training. The program was performed twice weekly (\~20 minutes/session) and included visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive exercises (Brock string, pinhole glasses, Marsden ball). Training intensity and complexity were progressively increased across four phases.
OTHERcontrol group
Participants continued their regular football training without additional neuro-athletic training.
Sponsors
Coşkun YILMAZ
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Single (Outcomes Assessor Blinded)
Intervention model description
Parallel Assignment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Elite male soccer goalkeepers Minimum 5 years of structured training experience Participation in ≥80% of team training sessions No injury in the last 6 months
Exclusion criteria
* Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders Incomplete participation Additional external training interventions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Balance (Y Balance Test) | 8 week | The Y-Balance Test (YBT) assesses dynamic balance by measuring the distances (cm) a participant can reach anteriorly, posteromedially, and posterolaterally while standing on one leg. The composite score is obtained by dividing the sum of the three directions by the leg length and calculating it as a percentage (%), with a higher score indicating better balance. |
| Agility (T-Test) | 8 week | The 505 Agility Test measures the speed of dynamic changes of direction in seconds (s) using electronic timing gates or a stopwatch, consisting of a 10-meter sprint, a 180-degree turn, and a 5-meter reverse sprint. The fastest time of three trials is recorded, with lower times indicating better agility. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Jump (Countermovement Jump) | 8 Week | Vertical jump (CMJ) height is a secondary outcome measure measured in centimeters (cm) using a force platform (Hawkin Dynamics) device, performed with maximum effort with hands on hips. The measurement is recorded based on a baseline and the best of three trials over a specified time interval (8 weeks). |
| Handgrip Strength | 8 week | Maximal isometric hand grip strength measured in kilograms (kg) using a standardized Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in a standardized sitting position with 90-degree elbow flexion. Three trials will be recorded for each hand, and the highest value (or mean) will be used for analysis |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed