Neuroathletic Training Effects on Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognition

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University20 enrolled

Overview

Neuroathletic training is an innovative approach aimed at enhancing neurophysiological processes to improve motor control, reflex responses, balance, proprioception, and cognitive functions. While this method has shown promise in athletes, its acute effects on non-athletic individuals remain underexplored. The posterior chain (gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and erector spinae) plays a critical role in postural stability, movement, and injury prevention. Weakness in these muscles, coupled with poor balance and proprioception, may increase injury risk. Additionally, cognitive performance, including attention and reaction time, is vital for functional activities and may be enhanced through neuroathletic interventions. This study seeks to address the gap in understanding the acute effects of neuroathletic training on non-athletic individuals, providing evidence to support its integration into rehabilitation and injury prevention programs.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Neuroathletic Training Posterior Chain Muscle Strength Gluteus Maximus

Interventions

Neuroathletic Training ProtocolBEHAVIORAL

This intervention involves a 20-minute neuroathletic training session using the Z-Health® kit. It includes visual reset exercises (eye massage, palming), star chart eye muscle training, saccade training with letter cards, convergence-divergence drills using Brock string, vestibular activation through lunges, spinal and hip extension exercises, slap tap coordination drills, and use of pinhole glasses. The aim is to stimulate sensory pathways and enhance neuromotor readiness acutely.

Standard Warm-Up ProtocolBEHAVIORAL

This 20-minute warm-up consists of two components: 10 minutes of light walking at a moderate pace and 10 minutes of dynamic stretching (leg swings, hip flexor stretches, knee hugs, high knees, butt kicks, arm circles, and trunk rotations). It is intended to mimic standard pre-activity routines and serves as the comparator condition.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-30 years. * No regular physical activity in the past 6 months (IPAQ Short Form: physical activity level \>3000 MET-min/week excluded). * Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.5-24.9 kg/m². * No history of lower extremity injury or neurological conditions. * Ability to perform study tests and exercises. * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute injury in the past 6 months. * Chronic pain or postural deformities. * Sensory impairments affecting study participation. * Musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, or cardiovascular conditions limiting exercise. * History of malignancy.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Gluteus Maximus Muscle Strength (Newton)

Assessed using a digital handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester, Model 01165) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction in prone hip extension. Three trials are conducted, and the highest value is recorded.