Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Judokas' Physical, Cognitive, and Performance Abilities

NCT07095153 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IGDU-EC-19-3-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The primary objective of this project is to comprehensively investigate the effects of the Neuroathletic Training (NAT) approach, integrated into the routine training program, on the physical fitness, cognitive skills, and sports performance of judokas aged 10 to 18 years. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 40 judokas randomly assigned to either the NAT group or the control group. The NAT program, implemented over eight weeks, includes exercises targeting visual-motor coordination, reaction time, balance, and proprioception. Outcome measures such as reaction time, agility, balance, flexibility, proprioception, attention, grip strength, and judo-specific physical fitness will be assessed using a pre-test and post-test design. The results are expected to contribute to the development of a novel training model aimed at enhancing judo performance and to provide original insights into the effects of neuroathletic training in sports sciences. Additionally, the NAT protocol aims to improve not only physical fitness parameters but also cognitive domains such as mental flexibility, decision-making speed, and concentration by enhancing neuromotor control parameters including balance, coordination, reaction time, and attention.

Conditions

Neuroathletic Training; Exercise; Athletic Performance

Keywords

Neuroathletic training; Judo; Physical fitness; Cognitive performance; Sport performance; Exercise therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Reaction Time

  Reaction time is an important performance indicator that reflects the speed of information processing and the ability to respond to stimuli in cognitive and perceptual processes. In this study, the Light Trainer application will be used to assess reaction time. Light Trainer operates with a wireless system consisting of eight LED lights. These lights are equipped with sensors that are activated by proximity or touch. The application is used to measure performance components such as agility, speed, coordination, and reaction time. Reaction time is measured in milliseconds (ms). In healthy individuals, this time typically ranges between 250-400 ms, while trained athletes are generally expected to perform below 250 ms, due to enhanced sensory processing and faster neuromuscular responses.

  1 month

• Reactive Agility

  Reactive agility will be assessed using the Light Trainer system. The test begins when the athlete touches the centrally located LED light with their hand. Six LED lights, placed on cones at a height of 40 cm, light up in a random sequence. The athlete must identify the lit LED, quickly run to the corresponding cone, pass through a designated 20 cm area around the light using their preferred hand, and return to the base light. Reactive agility performance is recorded as the time interval between the activation of the first LED and the deactivation of the last LED. According to normative data, this time typically ranges between 5 and 10 seconds in healthy young adults. In experienced athletes, the performance time is generally around 4 to 6 seconds. Times are recorded in seconds according to the nature of the test.

  1 month

• Single Leg Stance Test

  This test is applied to evaluate static balance. The athlete is instructed to stand on one foot with eyes closed and the knee flexed approximately at 90 degrees. The athlete is expected to maintain balance throughout the test duration. The time is measured with a stopwatch during each trial, and the test is repeated three times in total. The average of the three recorded times reflects the athlete's static balance performance.

  3 weeks

• Y Balance Test

  This test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance of the lower and upper extremities. The setup consists of three measuring tapes arranged in a "Y" shape with 120° angles between them. For the lower extremity, the athlete will stand on one foot at the center of the tapes and reach as far as possible with the other foot in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Leg length will be measured from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus. The composite score will be calculated by summing the three reach distances, dividing by three times the leg length, and multiplying by 100. For the upper extremity, the athlete will stand on one hand at the center of the tapes and reach as far as possible with the other hand in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions. Arm length will be measured from the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the tip of the middle finger. The composite score will be calculated similarly.

  3 weeks

• Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS) - Cognitive Function Assessment

  The Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS) computerized neuropsychological test battery will be used to assess individuals' cognitive functions. The test is completed on a computer via a link sent by email and takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Detailed results are provided upon completion. CNSVS consists of seven subtests measuring cognitive domains such as executive functions, memory, attention, reaction time, and processing speed. These yield 11 domain scores and one neurocognitive index (NCI) score. NCI scores are interpreted as follows: above 110 indicates high cognitive capacity, 90-110 normal, 80-89 below normal, and 70-79 low cognitive capacity.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Judogi Isometric Pull-Up Test (Upper Body Strength and Endurance)

  2 weeks

• Judogi Dynamic Pull-Up Test

  2 weeks

• Sit and Reach Test

  2 weeks

• Hand Grip Strength

  2 weeks

• Illinois Agility Test

  2 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Neuroathletic Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Within the scope of this study, the intervention group will undergo a Neuroathletic Training (NAT) protocol, performed three times per week over eight weeks. The program begins with 1 set of 30 seconds with 10 seconds of rest during the first two weeks, with the number of sets increasing every two weeks. Each training session includes 6 to 8 different exercises. The selected exercises target cognitive-neuromotor skills such as visual tracking, target following, shifting focus, decision-making, fall reflex, balance adaptation, motor coordination, and spatial perception. This program is integrated into the classical judo training and is limited to a total duration of 20 to 25 minutes per session.

Behavioral: Neuroathletic Training (NAT)

Control Group

OTHER

Participants in the control group will perform only the classical judo training protocol throughout the study. This training is based on the training plans and technical development programs developed by the Turkish Judo Federation for the 10-18 age group.

Behavioral: Routine Judo Training

Interventions

Neuroathletic Training (NAT) BEHAVIORAL

The intervention group will undergo an 8-week Neuroathletic Training program, conducted three times a week. The program consists of exercises designed to enhance visual-motor coordination, reaction time, balance, and proprioception, integrated with classical judo training. Each session lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and includes 6 to 8 different exercises targeting cognitive and neuromotor skills.

Neuroathletic Training Group

Routine Judo Training BEHAVIORAL

The control group will continue with their usual judo training program, which follows the training plans and technical development programs set by the Turkish Judo Federation for athletes aged 10-18. This program focuses on maintaining and improving existing technical, tactical skills, physical conditioning, and sports culture without any additional neuroathletic training interventions.

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 10 and 18 years
• Practicing judo regularly for at least 1 year
• Attended a minimum of 3 training sessions per week for the last 6 months
• Holding an active competitive license
• Medically cleared for sports participation
• No musculoskeletal restrictions that limit physical activity
• No diagnosed neurological or vestibular disorders
• Cognitive ability to understand and follow test procedures
• Written informed consent provided by parent/legal guardian (for participants under 18)
• Commitment to regular participation throughout the study duration

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals diagnosed with attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, or difficulty maintaining attention during training
• Individuals using medications targeting balance, visual, or vestibular systems
• Participation in any other scientific study simultaneously
• Currently receiving psychiatric treatment or regular use of psychiatric medication
• Previous participation in neuroathletic or similar neuromotor training programs
• Individuals who actively resist or deliberately sabotage the NAA protocol
• Missing two or more measurement or training sessions during the study
• Refusal to comply with the protocol or failure to complete surveys/tests
• Participants whose parents/guardians express concerns or refuse approval during the consent process
• Behaviors that may jeopardize study sustainability or data integrity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kırıkkale University: lead
• Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi: collaborator
• Igdir University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Iğdır Provincial Directorate of Youth Services and Sports

Iğdır, 76000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Binnaz BOZKURT AKPULAT, PhD Cand.

  Igdir University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Necmiye ÜN YILDIRIM, Professor

  Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

  STUDY CHAIR

• Çağlar SOYLU, PhD

  Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Binnaz BOZKURT AKPULAT, PhD Cand.

CONTACT

0506 043 49 60; binnazbozkurt38@gmail.com

Necmiye ÜN YILDIRIM, Professor

CONTACT

necmiyeu@yahoo.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and intervention providers will not be blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer and PhD Candidate

Model Details: Two-arm randomized controlled trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2025
• First Posted: July 31, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 31, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)