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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07572344

EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING ON ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

This study aimed to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-assisted training compared with traditional training and routine practice on physical and neurophysiological performance in young professional football players. Thirty-nine male football players aged 18-19 were randomly assigned to VR training, traditional training, and control groups. The intervention lasted for several weeks and included structured training sessions integrated into regular team practice.

Physical performance was assessed using balance, 30-meter sprint, and muscle strength tests, while neurophysiological outcomes were evaluated using electroencephalography (EEG). Measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period. The VR group performed immersive exercise-based training using VR applications designed to improve coordination, strength, endurance, and cognitive-motor interaction, while the traditional group performed the same exercises without VR support.

The study hypothesized that VR-assisted training would lead to greater improvements in both physical performance and brain activity compared to traditional and control conditions.

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Key information

Conditions

Athletic Performance

Age range

18 year–19 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

RTEU

Rize, Center, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • - Male professional football players participating in licensed competitions within a professional club youth academy
  • Age between 18 and 19 years
  • 5-8 years of active football playing experience
  • No chronic pain or musculoskeletal injury affecting performance
  • Willingness to participate and signed informed consent form
  • Ability to attend both virtual reality and training sessions regularly
  • Training frequency of approximately 3 sessions per week
  • Use of supplements only for general health purposes without performance enhancement effects

Exclusion criteria

  • - Any injury that may impair performance or interaction with virtual reality training
  • Neurological or psychological disorders affecting VR interaction
  • Previous experience with VR-based training programs
  • History of epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • History of frequent headaches or migraines
  • Balance disorders or vestibular dysfunction
  • Visual impairments such as depth perception problems or color blindness
  • Non-compliance with study protocol or missing informed consent

Treatment and study plan

Virtual Reality Training

Behavioral

Virtual reality (VR)-based training was performed using immersive applications such as Head Football, Rezzil Player, FitXR, and similar platforms. Participants completed structured exercise sessions after regular team practice. The training focused on improving balance, strength, endurance, coordination, and cognitive-motor integration. Sessions were conducted using a VR headset with defined work-rest intervals and consisted of repeated exercise sets designed to simulate sport-specific movements in an immersive environment.

Other names: VR Training; Immersive Virtual Reality Exercise; VR-based Sports Training

TRADITIONAL TRAINING

Behavioral

Participants performed the same exercise content as the VR group under coach supervision without the use of virtual reality technology. Training sessions focused on improving balance, strength, endurance, and coordination using conventional training methods. Exercises were structured with similar sets and rest intervals as the VR group and were completed after regular team practice.

Other names: Conventional Training; Standard Training; Coach-Led Training

Primary outcomes

  1. EEG Spectral Power (Theta, Alpha, Beta Bands - Anterior Region)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    EEG was recorded using a 32-channel system (BrainAccess Extended+). Power spectral density was calculated using the Welch method, and absolute power values (µV²) were derived for theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (12-30 Hz) frequency bands. Analyses were performed by averaging electrodes in the anterior region.

  2. EEG Functional Connectivity (Anterior-Central Coherence)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    Functional connectivity was assessed using coherence analysis between anterior and central brain regions. Coherence values were calculated for theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-12 Hz) frequency bands using Welch-based methods.

  3. Dynamic Balance (Togu Challenge Disc Test)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    Balance performance was assessed using the Togu Challenge Disc. Participants performed double-leg and single-leg balance tasks (dominant and non-dominant), and the best score based on the device's standardized scoring system (1-5 scale) was recorded.

  4. Sprint Speed (30-meter Sprint Test)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    Sprint performance was measured using a 30-meter sprint test with a photoelectric timing system. The best time (seconds) from two trials was recorded.

  5. Isometric Knee Extension Strength

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    Muscle strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Maximum isometric knee extension force was measured for 5 seconds, and the highest value (kg) from repeated trials was recorded for the leg.

Secondary outcomes

  1. P300 Latency (Event-Related Potential)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    P300 latency (ms) was measured using ERP analysis during virtual reality training sessions. The P300 component was identified within the 300-600 ms time window.

  2. P300 Amplitude (Event-Related Potential)

    Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

    P300 amplitude (µV) was recorded during virtual reality training sessions using ERP analysis, reflecting cognitive processing and attentional resource allocation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Official study title

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN VIRTUAL REALITY: THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY FOR TRAINING IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Acronym: VR - FOOTBALL

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 7, 2026
Registry last updated
May 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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