Brain Type, Playing Position, and Mental Toughness in Amateur Soccer Players

NCT07689513 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: PAU-SBS-2023-07
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 270
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This observational study aims to investigate the association between brain type, determined by the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, playing position, and mental toughness among amateur soccer players. A total of 270 licensed amateur soccer players participated in the study. Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), while brain type was determined by measuring the 2D:4D digit ratio. The study examines whether mental toughness differs according to brain type and playing position, providing insight into the neuropsychological characteristics of soccer players and their potential relationship with psychological performance.

Conditions

Mental Toughness; 2D:4D Digit Ratio; Sports Psychology; Football

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) Total Score

  Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), a validated 14-item self-report questionnaire. Total scores range from 14 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater mental toughness. The total score was compared among brain type (Type A, Type B, and Type C) groups and playing positions.

  Baseline (single assessment)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• 2D:4D Digit Ratio Classification

  Baseline (single assessment)

• Playing Position Classification

  Baseline (single assessment)

Study Arms (3)

Type A Brain

Soccer players classified as Type A brain according to the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio. Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).

Other: Observational Assessment

Type B Brain

Soccer players classified as Type B brain according to the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio. Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).

Other: Observational Assessment

Type C Brain

Soccer players classified as Type C brain according to the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio. Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).

Other: Observational Assessment

Interventions

Observational Assessment OTHER

No intervention was administered. Participants underwent assessment of the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).

Type A Brain; Type B Brain; Type C Brain

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 16 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Licensed amateur soccer players recruited from amateur soccer clubs in Denizli, Türkiye. Participants represented different playing positions, including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers.

You may qualify if:

• Licensed amateur soccer player.
• Aged between 16 and 40 years.
• Currently participating in regular soccer training and competitions.
• Able to understand and complete the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).
• Provided written informed consent prior to participation.

You may not qualify if:

• Professional soccer players.
• History of neurological or psychiatric disorders that could affect psychological assessment.
• Upper extremity deformity or injury preventing accurate 2D:4D measurement.
• Incomplete questionnaire or missing study data.
• Declined or withdrew informed consent.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Gelisim University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34290, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Ress. Asst.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 1, 2026
• First Posted: July 8, 2026
• Study Start: March 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 25, 2025
• Study Completion: April 25, 2025
• Last Updated: July 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU (1)