The Effects of Neuroathletic Training and Reactive Training on Physical Performance, Injury Risk, and Reaction Time in American Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Neuroathletic Training and Reactive Training on Physical Performance, Injury Risk, and Reaction Time in American Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aims to compare the effects of neuroathletic training, reactive training, and routine team training in American football players. American football requires not only strength, speed, agility, and balance, but also rapid reaction, decision-making, and appropriate motor responses. Therefore, training approaches targeting the nervous system and reaction skills may contribute to both performance enhancement and injury risk reduction.
Active American football players aged 18-30 are randomly assigned to neuroathletic training, reactive training, or control groups. The intervention groups participate in additional exercise sessions twice a week for four weeks, while the control group continues routine team training only. Assessments are performed before and after the intervention period.
Outcome measures include Y Balance Test, Functional Movement Screen, Reactive Balance Test, core endurance test, and sit-and-reach test. These assessments are used to examine reaction performance, dynamic balance, postural control, movement quality, core endurance, and flexibility. The findings are expected to help identify the most effective training approach for improving performance and reducing injury risk in American football players.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged 18-30 years Holding an active American football license during the study season Competing at the university, semi-professional, or professional level Regular participation in team training (6-10 hours per week) At least one year of continuous competitive American football experience Having a structured training background in American football Free from color blindness Free from attention-related disorders Free from any health condition that could affect neuromuscular, reactive, or sport-specific performance
Exclusion Criteria:
Injury within the previous 3 months resulting in absence from training or competition for more than 2 weeks Upper or lower extremity surgery within the previous 6 months History of neurological, vestibular, or cardiovascular disorders that could interfere with neuroathletic training or performance assessments COVID-19 infection within the previous 6 months