Neuro-Athletic Training Effects in Young Adults

NCT07310030 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: Istinye BT 3
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to examine the acute effects of a single session of neuro-athletic training (NAT) on key physical fitness parameters in young adults. Neuro-athletic training is a contemporary approach that integrates neuroscience principles with athletic conditioning, focusing not only on muscular strength but also on optimizing the interaction between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. By targeting visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive mechanisms, NAT seeks to enhance motor output, coordination, movement efficiency, and decision-making processes. Although NAT has gained increasing attention in sports performance programs, most existing research has focused on long-term training adaptations in elite athletes. Evidence regarding its immediate effects-especially in healthy university-aged individuals-is still limited. Preliminary findings suggest that exercises incorporating cognitive load and sensory integration may improve various aspects of performance; however, the short-term influence of NAT on balance, flexibility, reaction time, and power has not been fully clarified. In this context, the present controlled experimental study compares the effects of a single NAT session with those of a traditional warm-up routine. The study evaluates acute changes in balance, flexibility, vertical power, and reaction time to determine whether NAT can produce immediate performance benefits. The findings are expected to contribute to a clearer understanding of how neuro-athletic principles can be integrated into preparatory exercise routines to enhance both neuromuscular and cognitive-motor performance in young adults.

Conditions

Physical Fitness; Health Young Individuals

Keywords

neuro-athletic training; saccadic eye movements; sports related performance; physical fitness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Flexibility Test: Sit and Reach

  The Sit and Reach test will be applied solely to assess participants' flexibility. Participants will sit on a flat surface with legs extended, arms and fingers stretched forward. They will bend the torso forward and hold the farthest reachable point for 1-2 seconds. Three trials will be performed, and the best score will be recorded. This test is a valid and reliable method for flexibility assessment.

  4 weeks

• Balance Assessment

  Dynamic and static balance will be objectively assessed in a standing position using the TecnoBody® system. The system will measure the center of pressure, path length, and the sway area of the center of pressure. Lower sway values indicate better lower extremity stability and balance ability.

  4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Fukuda Stepping Test

  4 weeks

• Upper Extremity Reaction Time

  4 weeks

• Lower Extremity Reaction Time

  4 weeks

• Vertical Jump Test

  4 weeks

• Saccadic Eye Movement Assessment

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise)

EXPERIMENTAL

Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise) This group group will perform all exercises included in the control group, with the addition of eye exercises. In addition to the control group protocol, participants in this group will complete various video-based eye exercises, including smooth pursuit, saccadic movements, and anti-saccade tasks. Furthermore, the Brock string exercise will be administered to train depth perception. All exercises in the program are implemented as part of a warm-up routine to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. If symptoms such as dizziness or visual fatigue occur during the eye exercises, the session will be terminated. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and safety. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

Behavioral: Experimental: Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise)

Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) This group (control) group will perform only stretching exercises, balance training, and vertical jump exercises. Stretching exercises will consist of static stretches targeting the hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius muscle groups, with each position held for 20-30 seconds for two repetitions. Balance training will be performed on a Both Sides Utilized ball and balance board in a single-leg stance, with three trials for each leg; each trial will last 15 seconds, with 30 seconds of rest between trials. All exercises are incorporated into a warm-up program to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and control. No eye exercises will be administered to the control group. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

Behavioral: Active Comparator: Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) Control group

Interventions

Active Comparator: Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) Control group BEHAVIORAL

Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) This group (control) group will perform only stretching exercises, balance training, and vertical jump exercises. Stretching exercises will consist of static stretches targeting the hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius muscle groups, with each position held for 20-30 seconds for two repetitions. Balance training will be performed on a Both Sides Utilized ball and balance board in a single-leg stance, with three trials for each leg; each trial will last 15 seconds, with 30 seconds of rest between trials. All exercises are incorporated into a warm-up program to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and control. No eye exercises will be administered to the control group. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises)

Experimental: Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise) BEHAVIORAL

Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise) This group group will perform all exercises included in the control group, with the addition of eye exercises. In addition to the control group protocol, participants in this group will complete various video-based eye exercises, including smooth pursuit, saccadic movements, and anti-saccade tasks. Furthermore, the Brock string exercise will be administered to train depth perception. All exercises in the program are implemented as part of a warm-up routine to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. If symptoms such as dizziness or visual fatigue occur during the eye exercises, the session will be terminated. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and safety. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy young adults aged 18-35 years
• Not participating in professional sports
• No visual impairments
• Provide written informed consent and agree to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosed musculoskeletal disorder
• Diagnosed neurological or orthopedic condition
• Balance disorders (e.g., vestibular system problems, frequent dizziness)
• History of serious musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past 6 months
• Unable to perform the exercises during assessment due to pain

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istinye University

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Control Groups

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Epidemiologic Research Design; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Research Design; Methods

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: research assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 22, 2025
• First Posted: December 30, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 20, 2026
• Study Completion: March 10, 2026
• Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)