Neuromuscular training added to pro esports training
Official title: Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training Added to Routine Practice on Fatigue and Stress Biomarkers in Professional Esports Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Yeditepe University · NCT07325396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A structured neuromuscular exercise program is tested in professional esports players to see if it reduces fatigue and stress markers and improves performance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yeditepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07325396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Professional esports players aged 18-35 who compete full-time and train at least 35 hours per week in one of the specified games.
✕Probably not a fit
Players with contraindicating medical conditions or insufficient training hours may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial enrolls 24 professional esports players aged 18-35 who train at least 35 hours per week. Participants are randomized to either an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program three times per week in addition to their usual training or to structured physical activity counseling. Primary outcomes are serum cortisol, testosterone, testosterone/cortisol ratio, CRP, CK, vitamin B12, and ferritin measured after fasting. Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, sleep quality, physical activity, quality of life, reaction times, lactate, and mood. Assessments occur at baseline and after the 8-week period to determine the effect of the neuromuscular program on fatigue, stress biomarkers, and performance-related metrics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, players may experience reduced fatigue and stress and improved physical readiness and performance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous esports research is limited; this study adds objective biomarker data to a field with few randomized trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-35 years * Currently competing as a contracted professional esports player * Playing one of the following games at a professional level: League of Legends, Counter Strike 2, Overwatch, Valorant, Apex Legends, DOTA2, Rocket League, PUBG * Participating in ≥35 hours/week of training with their team * Voluntary agreement to participate and sign informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History or presence of medical conditions affecting safety or performance: metabolic, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, or respiratory disorders * Playing esports only at amateur or beginner level * Answering "Yes" to any item in the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Removal Criteria: * Participating in \<35 hours/week esports training during the study * Missing ≥2 neuromuscular training sessions (intervention group) * Leaving their professional esports organization (roster removal, retirement, etc.) * Any illness or injury preventing continuation of esports participation
Where it's running
-
İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Doğukan Tongar, Master of Science
- Email: doguka.tongar@yeditepe.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 0507 843 10 21
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.