Comparison of Foot Reaction Time, Body Awareness, Balance, and Core Stabilization Performance in Young Amateur Football Players From Different Age Groups

Aim of the study is to compare foot reaction time, body awareness, balance, and core stabilization performance in 50 amateur football players aged 13-19 (Group I: 13-15 years, and Group II: 16-19 years) according to age, and to determine age-related performance differences.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Amateur Football Players Aged 13-19

Detailed Description

The aim of this study is to evaluate foot reaction time, body awareness, balance, and core stabilization performance in amateur football players aged 13-19 years, to examine how these parameters change according to age groups, and to compare and reveal developmental differences in these performance components in young athletes. This research study is designed as an observational and cross-sectional evaluation study. The study aims to collect and compare the data according to age on participants' sociodemographic data, reaction time using the Nelson Foot Reaction Test, awareness levels using the Body Awareness Questionnaire, balance status using the Y-Balance Test, and endurance levels using the McGill Core Endurance Test.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 50

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Amateur Football Players Aged 13-19

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a licensed amateur football player aged 13-19.
• Having played football regularly (at least 3 days a week) for the past year.
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a diagnosis of any neurological, orthopedic, or systemic disorder.
• Having a diagnosis of visual impairment or any systemic disease affecting balance.
• Having any significant physical limitations that would prevent the administration of the tests.
• Having a diagnosed psychological disorder that would hinder communication.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Group I; Amateur Football Players Aged 13-15
Group II; Amateur Football Players Aged 16-19

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Nelson Foot Reaction Test	The Nelson Foot Reaction Test measures simple foot-eye reaction time and lower limb neuromuscular coordination. Using a drop ruler, it requires the subject to quickly stop or "trap" a falling measurement stick between their foot and a wall or the floor in response to an auditory or visual trigger. The Reaction: The subject reacts as quickly as possible, pressing their foot forward to pinch/stop the falling ruler against the wall.Recording: The point where the ruler is stopped indicates the distance it traveled. The reaction time is calculated using the formula: Reaction Time (seconds) = √2 * Distance (cm)/980.	Baseline

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)	BAQ is an 18-item self-report scale designed to measure how attentive you are to normal, non-emotional internal bodily processes. It evaluates your sensitivity to everyday bodily cycles (like sleep and hunger), ability to detect subtle changes, and capacity to anticipate physical reactions. Typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Items are generally rated on a 1 to 7 scale, with higher total scores indicating greater perceived confidence and accuracy in monitoring your physical state over time.	Baseline
Y Balance Test (YBT)	The YBT requires the athlete to balance on one leg whilst simultaneously reaching as far as possible with the other leg in three separate directions: anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial. Therefore, this test measures the athlete's strength, stability and balance in various directions. The YBT composite score is calculated by summing the three reach directions and normalising the results to the lower limb length.	Baseline
McGill Core Endurance Test	This test measures the stabilization capacity and muscle endurance of the core muscles (abdominal, back, oblique, and lower back muscles). It is performed in four positions: Trunk Flexor Test, Trunk Extensor Test (Sorensen Test), Side Bridge Test (Left & Right). The time (in seconds) spent maintaining the required positions is measured and recorded using a stopwatch.	Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Health Institutes of Turkey

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 17, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 22, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): July 24, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 24, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 22, 2026
• Last Verified: July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: ETurkmen0126

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No