NCT07117357

Neuroathletic Training Effects on Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognition

Acute Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Posterior Chain Muscle Strength, Endurance, Proprioception, Dynamic Balance, and Cognitive Performance in Non-Athletic Individuals

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (actual)
• Sponsor: Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Neuroathletic Training
• Posterior Chain Muscle Strength
• Gluteus Maximus
• Hamstrings
• Erector Spinae Endurance
• Proprioception
• Cognitive Performance

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Neuroathletic Training Protocol	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Standard Warm-Up Protocol	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-11
• Primary completion: 2025-05-13
• Completion: 2025-07-15
• First posted: 2025-08-12
• Last updated: 2026-03-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)