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Hamstring TightnessNCT07889401

Immediate Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Muscle Activity, Flexibility, and Ankle Mobility

A study testing Single-Session Neuroathletic Training in people with Hamstring Tightness, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Hamstring tightness may be accompanied by limitations in flexibility and movement along the back of the body. Neuroathletic training combines exercises involving vision, eye movements, balance-related sensory input, and movement coordination. Its immediate effects on muscle activity and mobility require investigation. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Hamstring Tightness
What is being tested?
Single-Session Neuroathletic Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
26 Sep 2026to 15 Oct 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 35 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 18 to 35 years.
  • Presence of hamstring tightness identified during screening using the active knee extension test.
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions for the intervention and assessment procedures.
  • Ability to perform the Superman exercise, active knee extension test, weight-bearing lunge test, and assigned exercise session.
  • Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting the spine or lower extremities that interferes with the study exercises or assessments.
  • A history of spinal or lower-extremity surgery with residual limitations affecting participation.
  • A diagnosed neurological disorder affecting muscle activation, balance, coordination, or lower-extremity movement.
  • A visual or vestibular disorder that prevents safe completion of the visual, oculomotor, or vestibular exercises.
  • A medical condition that makes participation in the exercise sessions or maximal voluntary isometric contraction testing unsafe.
  • Skin lesions, irritation, or other skin conditions at the electrode sites that prevent surface electromyographic recording.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • University of health sciences

    Ankara, Kecıoren, 06010

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Neuroathletic Training and the Posterior Chain: Acute Effects on EMG Muscle Activation, Flexibility, and Ankle Mobility

Hamstring tightness may be accompanied by limitations in flexibility and movement along the back of the body. Neuroathletic training combines exercises involving vision, eye movements, balance-related sensory input, and movement coordination. Its immediate effects on muscle activity and mobility require investigation.

This randomized study compared a single 20-minute neuroathletic training session with a 20-minute active control session in 40 adults aged 18 to 35 years with hamstring tightness. Participants were assigned to two groups of 20, with equal numbers of male and female participants in each group.

Read more

The neuroathletic training session included visual preparation exercises, eye movement drills, vestibular stimulation, trunk extension preparation, and visually guided movement tasks. The active control session consisted of light walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. Both sessions were supervised.

Before and after the assigned session, muscle activity was assessed in four muscle groups along the posterior chain using surface electromyography during the Superman exercise. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using an active knee extension test, and ankle dorsiflexion was assessed using a weight-bearing lunge test.

The study evaluated whether the immediate changes in these measures differed between neuroathletic training and the active control session.

Read the detailed description

This randomized, parallel-group study investigated the acute effects of neuroathletic training on posterior-chain muscle activation, hamstring flexibility, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in adults with hamstring tightness.

Forty participants aged 18 to 35 years, comprising 20 male and 20 female participants, were randomly allocated to a neuroathletic training group or an active control group. Each group included 20 participants, with equal numbers of male and female participants. The study compared the pre-session and post-session responses to two supervised interventions of equal duration.

The neuroathletic training intervention consisted of one individualized, supervised 20-minute session delivered by certified trainers. The session included five components: visual resets for 2 minutes, oculomotor drills for 4 minutes, vestibular stimulation for 4 minutes, cerebellar priming for 4 minutes, and visuomotor reactivity tasks for 6 minutes. Exercises included periorbital massage, palming, chart-based reaction tasks, pinhole-glasses reaction tasks, ocular tracking, hip and spinal extension preparation, convergence-divergence exercises, Brock string exercises, lunge oscillations, and alternating gaze tasks using letter cards. Trainers followed a standardized checklist covering exercise order, dose, instructions, and participant positioning.

The active control intervention consisted of a supervised 20-minute session of light overground walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. The same trainers supervised both interventions. Session duration, trainer attention, and verbal encouragement were matched. The active control session did not include the targeted visual, vestibular, oculomotor, or cognitively demanding components of the neuroathletic training session.

Surface electromyographic activity was recorded bilaterally from the biceps femoris long head, gluteus maximus, lumbar erector spinae, and gastrocnemius lateral head using an eight-channel wireless system. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz. Skin preparation and electrode placement followed standardized procedures, and the electrodes remained in place between the pre-session and post-session assessments.

Before baseline task assessment, maximum voluntary isometric contraction tests were performed for each muscle to provide normalization reference values. Three 5-second maximal contractions were completed for each muscle on each side, with 60 seconds of rest between trials and 2 minutes between muscles. A submaximal familiarization trial preceded the maximal trials, and muscle testing order was randomized.

Task-related muscle activity was recorded during the Superman exercise. Participants lay prone with their arms extended overhead and simultaneously raised their arms, upper trunk, and lower limbs from the floor. Movement was paced with a metronome. Three repetitions were completed, with 60 seconds of rest between repetitions. The same testing procedure was used before and after the assigned intervention.

Electromyographic signals were band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, rectified, and processed using a root-mean-square algorithm with a 100-millisecond moving window. For each muscle, task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained during the maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials. Right and left values were averaged, and the mean across task repetitions was used for analysis.

Hamstring flexibility was assessed using an active knee extension test with maximum hip flexion. Angular measurements were obtained with a digital inclinometer positioned on the tibial crest. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed using a weight-bearing lunge test and reported in degrees.

The study evaluated acute pre-session to post-session changes in muscle activation, hamstring flexibility, and ankle dorsiflexion. It did not include a reported long-term follow-up assessment.

Being tested
Single-Session Neuroathletic Training, Active Control
Keywords
Neuroathletic training, Hamstring tightness, Posterior kinetic chain, Surface electromyography, Muscle activation, Hamstring flexibility, Ankle dorsiflexion, Oculomotor training, Vestibular stimulation, Acute exercise effects

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Single-Session Neuroathletic TrainingBehavioural

    A single supervised 20-minute session incorporating visual preparation, eye movement exercises, vestibular stimulation, trunk extension preparation, and visually guided movement tasks. Exercises included periorbital massage, palming, slap-tap chart tasks, pinhole-glasses reaction tasks, star-chart exercises, hip and spinal extension priming, convergence-divergence exercises, Brock string fixation, lunge oscillations, and alternating gaze tasks using letter cards. Delivery followed a standardized exercise checklist.

  • Active ControlOther

    A single supervised 20-minute session consisting of light overground walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. The intervention provided general physical activity without the targeted visual, vestibular, oculomotor, or cognitively demanding exercises included in neuroathletic training. Session duration, trainer attention, and verbal encouragement were matched between groups.

Study groups in NCT07889401
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Neuroathletic TrainingExperimentalParticipants completed one supervised 20-minute neuroathletic training session comprising visual resets (2 minutes), oculomotor drills (4 minutes), vestibular stimulation (4 minutes), cerebellar priming (4 minutes), and visuomotor reactivity tasks (6 minutes). Sessions were delivered one-to-one by certified trainers using a standardized checklist for exercise order, dose, instructions, and participant positioning.
Receives: Behavioral: Single-Session Neuroathletic Training
Active ControlActive comparatorParticipants completed one supervised 20-minute active control session consisting of light overground walking followed by non-ballistic dynamic stretching of the major muscle groups of the lower limbs, upper limbs, and trunk. The same trainers supervised both groups. Session duration, trainer attention, and verbal encouragement were matched to the neuroathletic training session. Targeted visual, vestibular, oculomotor, and cognitively demanding exercises were omitted.
Receives: Other: Active Control

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Biceps Femoris Long Head Muscle Activation

    Biceps femoris long head muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials and expressed as a percentage of that reference (%MVC). Values were averaged across three repetitions and between the right and left sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.

  2. Gluteus Maximus Muscle Activation

    Gluteus maximus muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials performed during resisted prone hip extension with the knee flexed to 90 degrees. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.

  3. Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscle Activation

    Lumbar erector spinae muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials involving resisted prone trunk extension with the pelvis and lower limbs stabilized. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.

  4. Gastrocnemius Lateral Head Muscle Activation

    Gastrocnemius lateral head muscle activity was recorded bilaterally using surface electromyography during three standardized Superman repetitions. Signals were sampled at 2000 Hz, band-pass filtered at 20-450 Hz, and processed using root-mean-square amplitude with a 100-ms moving window. Task amplitude was normalized to the highest reference amplitude obtained from three maximum voluntary isometric contraction trials involving a single-leg heel raise held isometrically with the knee extended and manual resistance applied over the shoulders. Values were expressed as %MVC and averaged across three repetitions and between sides. Change was calculated as post-session minus baseline %MVC and expressed in percentage points. Higher values indicate greater normalized muscle activation during the task.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Hamstring Flexibility

    Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the active knee extension test with maximum hip flexion. The knee angle was measured in degrees using a Dualer IQ digital inclinometer (J-Tech Medical, USA) positioned on the tibial crest. Participants actively extended the knee while maintaining the required hip position. The outcome was the change in knee extension angle from baseline to the post-session assessment, calculated as post-session minus baseline degrees. Using the angular convention reported in the manuscript, larger angles indicate greater knee extension and greater hamstring flexibility.

    Measured: Baseline and during the post-session assessment following the single 20-minute intervention, on the same day.

  2. Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

    Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed using the weight-bearing lunge test. Ankle mobility was evaluated in a weight-bearing position, and the result was recorded as an angular measurement in degrees. The outcome was the change in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion from baseline to the post-session assessment, calculated as post-session minus baseline degrees. A positive change indicates increased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

    Measured: Baseline and during the post-session assessment following the single 20-minute intervention, on the same day.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Oct 2026
  2. Study start26 Sep 2026
  3. Primary completion5 Oct 2026
  4. Study completion15 Oct 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This randomized, two-arm, parallel-group study compared a single 20-minute neuroathletic training session with a 20-minute active control session involving light walking and non-ballistic dynamic stretching. Forty adults aged 18-35 years with hamstring tightness were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio, with 20 participants in each group. Each group included 10 male and 10 female participants. Posterior-chain muscle activation, hamstring flexibility, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion were assessed before and after the assigned session.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07889401
Sponsor's protocol ID
2026/09
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
16 Oct 2026
Last updated
22 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results, including participant characteristics, group allocation, and pre- and post-intervention outcome measurements, will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Sharing will be subject to participant consent provisions, applicable institutional requirements, and a data use agreement. Direct identifiers and information that could reasonably identify individual participants will not be shared.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Single-Session Neuroathletic Training in people with Hamstring Tightness, run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Biceps Femoris Long Head Muscle Activation (time frame: Baseline and immediately after the single 20-minute intervention session, on the same day.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Oct 2026.

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