Neuro-Athletic Training in Football

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Behavioral: Neuro-Athletic Training; Other: Standard Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07092735

2024/71

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 56 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 23 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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56 participants in 2 patient groups

Neuro-Athletic Training (NAT) Group

Experimental group

Description:

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

Treatment:

Behavioral: Neuro-Athletic Training

Standard Training Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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

Treatment:

Other: Standard Training