Effects of Neuro-Athletic Training on Goalkeeper Performance

May 13, 2026 updated by: Coşkun YILMAZ

From Neural Input to Athletic Output: Effects of Neuro-Athletic Training on Dynamic Balance, Strength, and Agility in Elite Soccer Goalkeepers

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week neuro-athletic training (NAT) program on dynamic balance, explosive strength, grip strength, and agility in elite soccer goalkeepers. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving NAT in addition to regular training or a control group continuing standard training. Pre- and post-intervention performance assessments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This study was designed as a parallel-group randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest structure to examine the neuromuscular and performance adaptations induced by neuro-athletic training (NAT) in elite soccer goalkeepers. A total of 16 athletes competing in the TFF 3rd League and Regional Amateur League were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=8) or a control group (n=8).

The experimental group completed an 8-week NAT intervention in addition to their regular football training, while the control group continued standard training routines. The NAT program was conducted twice weekly and incorporated visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive exercises using specialized tools such as Brock strings, pinhole glasses, and Marsden balls. The intervention followed a progressive structure across four phases, targeting visual clarity, coordination, peripheral awareness, and dynamic integration.

Primary performance outcomes included dynamic balance (Y Balance Test), agility (T-test), vertical jump (CMJ), and handgrip strength. Measurements were obtained under standardized conditions before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether integrating neuro-athletic components into training enhances both neuromuscular efficiency and sport-specific performance in goalkeepers.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

16

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane
      • Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, Turkey (Türkiye), 29600
        • Gumushane Univetsity

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Elite male soccer goalkeepers Minimum 5 years of structured training experience Participation in ≥80% of team training sessions No injury in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders Incomplete participation Additional external training interventions

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Neuro-Athletic Training Group
Participants completed an 8-week neuro-athletic training program in addition to regular football training. The program was performed twice weekly (~20 minutes/session) and included visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive exercises (Brock string, pinhole glasses, Marsden ball). Training intensity and complexity were progressively increased across four phases.
Other: Neuro-Athletic Training Group
Participants completed an 8-week neuro-athletic training program in addition to regular football training. The program was performed twice weekly (~20 minutes/session) and included visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive exercises (Brock string, pinhole glasses, Marsden ball). Training intensity and complexity were progressively increased across four phases.
Other: control group
Participants continued their regular football training without additional neuro-athletic training.
Other Names:
  • No Intervention
No Intervention: Control Group
Participants continued their regular football training without additional neuro-athletic training.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Dynamic Balance (Y Balance Test)
Time Frame: 8 week
The Y-Balance Test (YBT) assesses dynamic balance by measuring the distances (cm) a participant can reach anteriorly, posteromedially, and posterolaterally while standing on one leg. The composite score is obtained by dividing the sum of the three directions by the leg length and calculating it as a percentage (%), with a higher score indicating better balance.
8 week
Agility (T-Test)
Time Frame: 8 week
The 505 Agility Test measures the speed of dynamic changes of direction in seconds (s) using electronic timing gates or a stopwatch, consisting of a 10-meter sprint, a 180-degree turn, and a 5-meter reverse sprint. The fastest time of three trials is recorded, with lower times indicating better agility.
8 week

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Vertical Jump (Countermovement Jump)
Time Frame: 8 Week
Vertical jump (CMJ) height is a secondary outcome measure measured in centimeters (cm) using a force platform (Hawkin Dynamics) device, performed with maximum effort with hands on hips. The measurement is recorded based on a baseline and the best of three trials over a specified time interval (8 weeks).
8 Week
Handgrip Strength
Time Frame: 8 week
Maximal isometric hand grip strength measured in kilograms (kg) using a standardized Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in a standardized sitting position with 90-degree elbow flexion. Three trials will be recorded for each hand, and the highest value (or mean) will be used for analysis
8 week

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Coşkun YILMAZ

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

September 5, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

November 15, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

November 20, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

May 6, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 13, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 15, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 15, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 13, 2026

Last Verified

May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • E-95674917-108.99-322122

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data will not be shared publicly.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Athletic Performance

Clinical Trials on Neuro-Athletic Training Group

Search Similar Trials

Sponsors and Collaborators

Medical Conditions

Drug Interventions

CROs by country

CROs in Cote d'Ivoire

Conditions

Rare Diseases

Drug Interventions

Dietary Supplements

Sponsor/Collaborators

Locations

Subscribe