Neuromuscular Control, Postural Balance, Reaction Time, Sensorimotor Performance
Conditions
Keywords
Performance Dancers, Neuromotor-Cognitive Training, Dynamic Balance, Visual Stimulus Systems, Cognitive Load, Y-Balance Test, Reactive Agility
Brief summary
This prospective randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of neuromotor-cognitive training on dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance in performance dancers. The main hypotheses are: H0: There is no difference in dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance between performance dancers who receive neuromotor-cognitive training and those who follow their routine training schedule. H1: Performance dancers who receive neuromotor-cognitive training show significant improvements in dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance compared to those who follow their routine training schedule.
Detailed description
Performance dancers from the Aytunç Bentürk Dance Academy who meet the eligibility criteria will be included in this prospective randomized controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy of technology-supported training methods. Participants will be randomly allocated into two distinct groups using a standardized allocation protocol: the Neuromotor-Cognitive Training Group (Experimental Arm) and the Routine Training Group (Control Arm). The Neuromotor-Cognitive Training Group will undergo a structured, technology-supported training protocol incorporating visual stimulus systems to enhance neuromuscular control and cognitive processing speed. The Control Group will maintain their regular and routine dance practice routines during the study period without any additional structured experimental protocols. Prior to the commencement of the intervention, all participants will be fully informed about the study procedures, and their formal consent will be obtained. Socio-demographic characteristics and baseline professional dance history will be documented using a structured evaluation form. Objective pre- and post-test assessments will be conducted for both groups to evaluate sensorimotor adaptation. Dynamic balance, designated as the primary outcome measure, will be evaluated using the standardized Y-Balance Test. Secondary outcome measures, including objective reaction time and neuromuscular performance under cognitive load, will be rigorously quantified in milliseconds utilizing the BLAZEPOD® visual stimulus system along with the Reactive Jumping and Landing Test. All final measurements will be statistically analyzed using correlation and inter-rater reliability metrics to determine inter-group differences.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALNeuromotor-Cognitive Training
A structured, technology-supported training protocol incorporating visual stimulus systems to enhance neuromuscular control, dynamic balance, and cognitive processing speed.
Sponsors
Yeditepe University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The investigator responsible for conducting the pre- and post-test assessments is blinded to the group allocation of the participants.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Being a professional or performance dancer actively training at the Aytunç Bentürk Dance Academy. * Being between 18 and 25 years of age. * Volunteering to participate in the study and providing written informed consent. * Having no orthopedic, neurological, or systemic injuries in the lower extremities within the last 6 months that could affect balance and motor performance.
Exclusion criteria
* Having a history of major orthopedic surgery in the lower extremities. * Any uncorrected visual or vestibular impairments that could negatively affect reaction time or postural control. * Acute musculoskeletal pain or injury during the baseline assessment period. * Failure to complete the baseline measurements or formal training sessions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Y-Balance Test (YBT) | The 8-week period between July 2026 and September 2026 | The Y-Balance Test will be used as the primary outcome measure to objectively evaluate the dynamic balance and postural control of the performance dancers. Participants will perform maximal reach tasks in three distinct directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral, while standing on a single limb. The reach distances will be normalized to the participant's leg length, and a comprehensive composite score will be calculated. Higher composite scores represent superior dynamic balance and enhanced neuromuscular control. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reactive Jumping and Landing Test | The 8-week period between July 2026 and September 2026 | This test will be implemented to assess sensorimotor performance and dynamic neuromuscular control during high-intensity functional movements. Dancers will perform jump-landing sequences in response to sudden, dynamic visual cues that change in real-time. The test quantifies movement execution and lower extremity coordination under cognitive load, providing critical metrics for sensorimotor adaptation and injury risk screening in performance dancers. |
| Y-Shaped Reactive Agility Test | The 8-week period between July 2026 and September 2026 | This test will be used to evaluate the reactive agility and rapid directional change performance of the dancers under visual cognitive load. Participants will accelerate toward a central point and execute a sudden change of direction (left or right) based on a randomized visual stimulus. The total completion time of the trial will be recorded using an electronic timing system. Shorter completion times indicate superior reactive agility and faster neuromuscular processing. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTAslı Yeral, Asst. Prof. Dr
CONTACTZeynep İnan
Outcome results
None listed