Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University56 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Athletic Performance Neurocognitive Function Proprioception Soccer Sensorimotor Integration

Interventions

Neuro-Athletic TrainingBEHAVIORAL

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

Standard TrainingOTHER

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

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 23 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

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.

Time frame: 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.

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

Secondary Outcomes

Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

Measured in centimeters using a standard sit-and-reach box, assessing hamstring and lower back flexibility.

Time frame: Pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks)

Isokinetic Knee Strength (ISOMED 2000 Dynamometer)

Concentric peak torque of quadriceps and hamstrings at 60°/s (5 repetitions) and 180°/s (15 repetitions), normalized to body mass (Nm/kg), and hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio.

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

Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes