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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07092735

Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Athletic Performance Eye Movements Neuroathletic Training Neurocognitive Function Proprioception Sensorimotor Integration Soccer

Age range

18 year–23 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Balikesir University

Balıkesir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Neuro-Athletic Training

Behavioral

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

Standard Training

Other

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Passing Accuracy (Mor-Christian Passing Test)

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

    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.

  2. Shooting Accuracy (Mor-Christian Shooting Test)

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

    Measured as a score (max 80) based on 16 shots from 14.5 meters toward four 45 cm targets. Assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

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

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

  2. Isokinetic Knee Strength (ISOMED 2000 Dynamometer)

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

    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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Optimizing Elite Football Performance Through Neuro-Athletic Training: A Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jul 30, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 30, 2025

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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