Neuroathletic Training and the Posterior Chain: Acute Effects on EMG Muscle Activation, Flexibility, and Ankle Mobility
Sponsor study identifier
interventional
40
1 country
1
Study Start
September 26, 2026
Actual (reported)Primary Completion
October 5, 2026
Actual (reported)Study Completion
October 15, 2026
Actual (reported)Hamstring tightness may be accompanied by limitations in flexibility and movement along the back of the body. Neuroathletic training combines exercises involving vision, eye movements, balance-related sensory input, and movement coordination. Its immediate effects on muscle activity and mobility require investigation. This randomized study compared a single 20-minute neuroathletic training session with a 20-minute active control session in 40 adults aged 18 to 35 years with hamstring tightness. Participants were assigned to two groups of 20, with equal numbers of male and female participants in each group. The neuroathletic training session included visual preparation exercises, eye movement drills, vestibular stimulation, trunk extension preparation, and visually guided movement tasks. The active control session consisted of light walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. Both sessions were supervised. Before and after the assigned session, muscle activity was assessed in four muscle groups along the posterior chain using surface electromyography during the Superman exercise. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using an active knee extension test, and ankle dorsiflexion was assessed using a weight-bearing lunge test. The study evaluated whether the immediate changes in these measures differed between neuroathletic training and the active control session.
Registry-reported information. Elapsed time and enrollment totals alone do not measure study progress or recruitment pace.
October 15, 2026
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Dates and qualifiers reported by the registry. Estimated dates do not confirm that a milestone has occurred.
September 26, 2026
Actual (reported)October 5, 2026
Actual (reported)October 15, 2026
Actual (reported)October 16, 2026
Actual (reported)October 22, 2026
Actual (reported)Biceps Femoris Long Head Muscle Activation
Biceps femoris long head muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials and expressed as a percentage of that reference (%MVC). Values were averaged across three repetitions and between the right and left sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.
Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.
Gluteus Maximus Muscle Activation
Gluteus maximus muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials performed during resisted prone hip extension with the knee flexed to 90 degrees. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.
Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.
Hamstring Flexibility
Baseline and during the post-session assessment following the single 20-minute intervention, on the same day.
Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion
Baseline and during the post-session assessment following the single 20-minute intervention, on the same day.
Participants completed one supervised 20-minute neuroathletic training session comprising visual resets (2 minutes), oculomotor drills (4 minutes), vestibular stimulation (4 minutes), cerebellar priming (4 minutes), and visuomotor reactivity tasks (6 minutes). Sessions were delivered one-to-one by certified trainers using a standardized checklist for exercise order, dose, instructions, and participant positioning.
Participants completed one supervised 20-minute active control session consisting of light overground walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. The same trainers supervised both groups. Session duration, trainer attention, and verbal encouragement were matched to the neuroathletic training session. Targeted visual, vestibular, oculomotor, and cognitively demanding exercises were omitted.
A single supervised 20-minute session incorporating visual preparation, eye movement exercises, vestibular stimulation, trunk extension preparation, and visually guided movement tasks. Exercises included periorbital massage, palming, slap-tap chart tasks, pinhole-glasses reaction tasks, star-chart exercises, hip and spinal extension priming, convergence-divergence exercises, Brock string fixation, lunge oscillations, and alternating gaze tasks using letter cards. Delivery followed a standardized exercise checklist.
University of health sciences
Ankara, Kecıoren, 06010, Turkey (Türkiye)
40 participants (actual enrollment reported by the registry).
First Submitted
October 16, 2026
Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscle Activation
Lumbar erector spinae muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials involving resisted prone trunk extension with the pelvis and lower limbs stabilized. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.
Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.
Gastrocnemius Lateral Head Muscle Activation
Gastrocnemius lateral head muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials involving a single-leg heel raise held isometrically with the knee extended and manual resistance applied over the shoulders. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.
Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.
A single supervised 20-minute session consisting of light overground walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. The intervention provided general physical activity without the targeted visual, vestibular, oculomotor, or cognitively demanding exercises included in neuroathletic training. Session duration, trainer attention, and verbal encouragement were matched between groups.
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First Posted
October 22, 2026
Study Start
September 26, 2026
Actual (reported)Primary Completion
October 5, 2026
Actual (reported)Study Completion
October 15, 2026
Actual (reported)Last Updated
October 22, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-10
De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results, including participant characteristics, group allocation, and pre- and post-intervention outcome measurements, will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Sharing will be subject to participant consent provisions, applicable institutional requirements, and a data use agreement. Direct identifiers and information that could reasonably identify individual participants will not be shared.
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Source: ClinicalTrials.gov.
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