Acute Effects of Neuroathletic Training-Integrated Resistance Training in Collegiate Athletes

Neural Priming Before Performance: Acute Effects of Neuroathletic Training-Integrated Resistance Training Versus Conventional Resistance Training on Sprint Acceleration, Jump Performance, Eccentric Hamstring Strength, Flexibility, and Bilateral Hamstring Symmetry in Collegiate Athletes

This study investigated the acute and short-term effects of neuroathletic training (NAT)-integrated resistance training compared with conventional resistance training on physical and neuromuscular performance in collegiate athletes. Fifty-eight collegiate athletes completed two experimental resistance training sessions separated by one week. The conventional resistance training condition was performed first, followed one week later by a NAT-integrated resistance training condition.

Both sessions included the same lower-extremity resistance exercises, training volume, intensity, exercise order, and rest intervals. During the NAT-integrated condition, visual, vestibular, gaze-stabilization, and proprioceptive drills were incorporated before selected resistance sets and during rest intervals. Sprint acceleration, bilateral and unilateral jump performance, eccentric hamstring strength, bilateral hamstring maximum difference, and sit-and-reach flexibility were assessed before training, immediately after training, 15 minutes after training, and 30 minutes after training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Were collegiate athletes participating in organized sport training.
• Had participated in regular sport-specific training for at least one year.
• Had previous experience with lower-extremity resistance training.
• Had previous experience with the exercises used in the study, including leg press, Romanian deadlift, leg extension, seated leg curl, dumbbell step-up, and Copenhagen exercise.
• Were familiar with maximal or near-maximal sprinting, jumping, and lower-limb strength testing.
• Were able to complete 5-meter sprint testing, bilateral and unilateral jump testing, Nordic hamstring testing, sit-and-reach flexibility testing, and the resistance training protocols.
• Were able to perform maximal or near-maximal lower-limb tasks without pain or movement restriction.
• Agreed to attend both experimental sessions and all measurement time points.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had an acute lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury during the previous three months.
• Had a hamstring strain, quadriceps strain, groin injury, ankle sprain, knee injury, hip injury, or low back pain limiting sport participation during the previous three months.
• Had undergone lower-extremity surgery during the previous 12 months.
• Experienced current pain during sprinting, jumping, Nordic hamstring testing, flexibility testing, or resistance exercise.
• Had a neurological disorder.
• Had diagnosed vestibular dysfunction.
• Had recurrent vertigo or unexplained dizziness.
• Had severe motion sensitivity.
• Had a balance disturbance.
• Had uncorrected visual impairment.
• Had diplopia or severe visual tracking difficulties.
• Had any condition preventing safe completion of eye-occlusion or gaze-stabilization exercises.
• Had experienced concussion within the previous six months.
• Had persistent post-concussion symptoms.
• Had cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, or systemic disease limiting high-intensity exercise.
• Used medication known to influence balance, alertness, reaction time, exercise tolerance, or neuromuscular performance.
• Failed to comply with pre-test instructions.
• Failed to attend both experimental sessions.
• Had incomplete data at any measurement time point.