Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Judokas' Physical, Cognitive, and Performance Abilities

Summary

The primary objective of this project is to comprehensively investigate the effects of the Neuroathletic Training (NAT) approach, integrated into the routine training program, on the physical fitness, cognitive skills, and sports performance of judokas aged 10 to 18 years. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 40 judokas randomly assigned to either the NAT group or the control group. The NAT program, implemented over eight weeks, includes exercises targeting visual-motor coordination, reaction time, balance, and proprioception. Outcome measures such as reaction time, agility, balance, flexibility, proprioception, attention, grip strength, and judo-specific physical fitness will be assessed using a pre-test and post-test design. The results are expected to contribute to the development of a novel training model aimed at enhancing judo performance and to provide original insights into the effects of neuroathletic training in sports sciences. Additionally, the NAT protocol aims to improve not only physical fitness parameters but also cognitive domains such as mental flexibility, decision-making speed, and concentration by enhancing neuromotor control parameters including balance, coordination, reaction time, and attention.

Conditions

• Neuroathletic Training
• Exercise
• Athletic Performance

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Neuroathletic Training (NAT)

The intervention group will undergo an 8-week Neuroathletic Training program, conducted three times a week. The program consists of exercises designed to enhance visual-motor coordination, reaction time, balance, and proprioception, integrated with classical judo training. Each session lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and includes 6 to 8 different exercises targeting cognitive and neuromotor skills.

BEHAVIORAL

Routine Judo Training

The control group will continue with their usual judo training program, which follows the training plans and technical development programs set by the Turkish Judo Federation for athletes aged 10-18. This program focuses on maintaining and improving existing technical, tactical skills, physical conditioning, and sports culture without any additional neuroathletic training interventions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

  collaborator OTHER

• Igdir University

  collaborator OTHER

• Kırıkkale University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Binnaz BOZKURT AKPULAT, PhD Cand. · Igdir University

• Necmiye ÜN YILDIRIM, Professor · Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

• Çağlar SOYLU, PhD · Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

10 Years

Max Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-30

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-05-31

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations