Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

NCT07092735 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2024/71
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

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

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Passing Accuracy (Mor-Christian Passing Test)

  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.

  Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

• Shooting Accuracy (Mor-Christian Shooting Test)

  Measured as a score (max 80) based on 16 shots from 14.5 meters toward four 45 cm targets. Assessed pre- and post-intervention.

  Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

  Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks)

• Isokinetic Knee Strength (ISOMED 2000 Dynamometer)

  Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

Study Arms (2)

Neuro-Athletic Training (NAT) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive a structured 8-week NAT program including oculomotor, vestibular, and proprioceptive drills, 3 sessions/week (35-45 minutes each).

Behavioral: Neuro-Athletic Training

Standard Training Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants continue their standard in-season football training program without any NAT components.

Other: Standard Training

Interventions

Neuro-Athletic Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants receive a structured 8-week NAT program including oculomotor, vestibular, and proprioceptive drills, 3 sessions/week (35-45 minutes each).

Neuro-Athletic Training (NAT) Group

Standard Training OTHER

Participants continue their standard in-season football training program without any NAT components.

Standard Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 23 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only individuals who self-identify as male are eligible to participate in this study. The study targets elite male football players to ensure homogeneity in performance characteristics and to align with league-specific demographics during the 2023-2024 season.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Balikesir University

Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: 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.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 9, 2025
• First Posted: July 30, 2025
• Study Start: June 12, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 12, 2024
• Study Completion: August 12, 2024
• Last Updated: July 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)