PerformanceNCT06982326
Mental Fatigue and Performance in Young Soccer Players
A study testing MF+ and MF- in people with Performance and Soccer, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The study employed a randomized, parallel-group, between-subjects design in which participants were assigned to either the MF+ or MF- condition and completed a single testing session accordingly. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 16 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Performance, Soccer, Mental Fatigue
- What is being tested?
- MF+ and MF-
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2025to 30 Mar 2025
- 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 15 to 16 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Being healthy
- Male soccer players
- Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions
Who cannot join
- Being under 14 years old
- Having a chronic disease
- Contraindications for exercise
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Tokat Gaziosmanpasa Universty
Tokat Province, Turkey, 6000
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Mental Fatigue on Physical Performance and Perceived Psychophysiological Reactions in Young Soccer Players: A Field Based Study
The study employed a randomized, parallel-group, between-subjects design in which participants were assigned to either the MF+ or MF- condition and completed a single testing session accordingly. All test sessions were conducted on synthetic turf pitches and comprised three stages of testing, which included assessments of aerobic and anaerobic endurance, jumping, agility, and balance. During the familiarization session, players were briefed on the study procedures, practiced the main tasks, and became accustomed to the equipment and environment used during the intervention. During the MF+ session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants completed a 30-minute Color-word Stroop task (CST) to induce MF. To minimize external influence, players were not prompted or verbally encouraged during testing. Immediately, after each session, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6--20) were recorded using the category-level Borg scale (29), and enjoyment was assessed using the exercise enjoyment scale, a bipolar instrument consisting of eight items scored on a 1-7 Likert scale.
Read the detailed description
The study employed a randomized, parallel-group, between-subjects design in which participants were assigned to either the MF+ or MF- condition and completed a single testing session accordingly. Players were recommended to sleep for at least 7-8 hours, refrain from exercising at moderate to high intensity, and avoid consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages during the 24 hours before the intervention. Indoor and outdoor temperatures (25-28°C) and humidity levels (35-40%) were kept consistent across all intervention sessions. All test sessions were conducted on synthetic turf pitches and comprised three stages of testing, which included assessments of aerobic and anaerobic endurance, jumping, agility, and balance. During the familiarization session, players were briefed on the study procedures, practiced the main tasks, and became accustomed to the equipment and environment used during the intervention. During the MF+ session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants completed a 30-minute Color-word Stroop task (CST) to induce MF. Four color words (red, blue, green, and yellow) were randomly printed, and participants were required to verbally name the color of each word. During the control (MF-) session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants watched emotionally neutral documentaries for 30 minutes. Each testing session began with a standardized 15-minute warm-up, consisting of 5 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity running followed by 10 minutes of upper- and lower-extremity-specific dynamic stretching, mobility exercises, and change-of-direction drills. To minimize external influence, players were not prompted or verbally encouraged during testing. Immediately, after each session, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6--20) were recorded using the category-level Borg scale, and enjoyment was assessed using the exercise enjoyment scale, a bipolar instrument consisting of eight items scored on a 1-7 Likert scale.
- Conditions
- Performance, Soccer, Mental Fatigue
- Being tested
- MF+, MF-
- Keywords
- Neuromuscular control, Fatigue, Cognitive fatigue, Soccer performance
- Medical subject headings
- Mental Fatigue, Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
MF+Other
During the MF+ session, before each physical testing phase, participants completed a 30-min Colour Word Stroop task (CST) to trigger MF. The paper-based version of the CST was completed in quiet rooms following the same protocol as in previous studies. This prolonged cognitive task was reported to require sustained attention and automatic response inhibition and effectively induced MF through cognitive manipulation. ThyIt had ben Four colour words (red, blue, green and yellow) were randomly printed and participants were asked to verbalise the colour of each word.
MF-Other
During the control session, before each physical testing phase, participants watched emotionally neutral documentaries for 30 min.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Fatigue (MF+) | Other | During the MF+ session, before each physical testing phase, participants completed a 30-min Colour Word Stroop task (CST) to trigger Receives: Other: MF+ |
| Control (MF-) | Other | Control Receives: Other: MF- |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Aerobic performance assessment
The test consisted of shuttle runs between two landmarks placed 20 metres apart, and athletes were required to complete a short active recovery period by running or walking within 10 seconds after each shuttle run. The testing protocol typically includes a standardised warm-up followed by progressive shuttle runs until exhaustion. The distance travelled or the level reached before exhaustion is used to measure performance. The test was carried out on an artificial turf field according to the recommended procedures.
Measured: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Countermovement jump performance assessment
Countermovement jump tests with arms free (CMJf) tests were used to test the performance of the players in the vertical jump test. Each player's CMJf jump height was measured via Optojump photoelectric cells (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). To ensure proper recovery and reduce fatigue, players were given a passive rest period of 2 minutes between consecutive trials in the same jump test. In addition, there was a rest period of 5 min between the different jump tests.
Measured: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Agility performance assessment
Players completed three Zig-Zag agility tests with a ball (ZZwB) on a synthetic turf field. Each set was followed by a 3-minute recovery period, and the fastest time recorded from all sets was considered to be the performance of the test. The ZZwB trail comprises four 5-meter sections designed at 100° angles. In a previous study by Mirkov et al. (34), a coefficient of variation of 21.12%, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.81 and 0.84, and typical measurement errors of 0.21 and 0.098 were reported for ZZwB.
Measured: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Balence performance assessment
The Y balance test was used for balance measurements. Before the test, the length of both legs of each player was measured via a standard tape measure from the anterior superior iliac spine to the most distal medial malleolus in the supine position. The test, consisting of three different directions of movement (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral), was used to assess dynamic balance with a single-leg stance while reaching these directions. After six trials on each foot for familiarization, each player performed three successful reaches 15 s apart. After the test, the composite score (CS) was calculated via the following formula (37): CS = [(maximum anterior reach + maximum posteromedial reach + maximum posterolateral reach)/(leg length × 3)] × 100.
Measured: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Anaerobic Endurance assessment
A three-corner run test (TCRT) was used to assess the speed and anaerobic endurance of the players. After the start signal, the players ran to a flagpole 80 m away from the start. The players then turned to the left side and ran to a flagpole, 20 m away from flagpole. After that, the players returned to flagpole 82.4 m from the start. Finally, turning to the right, the players ran to finish line and crossed the line to end the test.
Measured: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 May 2025
- Study start1 Mar 2025
- Primary completion27 Mar 2025
- Study completion30 Mar 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Crossover
- Model description
- Crossover Assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ersan Arslan, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06982326
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UGaziosmanpasa-3
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 13 May 2025
- Last updated
- 21 May 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Arslan E, Soylu Y, Clemente FM, Hazir T, Kin Isler A, Kilit B. Short-term effects of on-field combined core strength and small-sided games training on physical performance in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2021 Oct;38(4):609-616. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2021.102865. Epub 2021 Feb 11.
PubMed 34937971Soylu Y, Ramazanoglu F, Arslan E, Clemente FM. Effects of mental fatigue on the psychophysiological responses, kinematic profiles, and technical performance in different small-sided soccer games. Biol Sport. 2022 Oct;39(4):965-972. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2022.110746. Epub 2021 Dec 30.
PubMed 36247954
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 May 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effects of Mental Fatigue on Physical Performance and Perceived Psychophysiological Reactions in Young Soccer Players: A Field Based Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06982326
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UGaziosmanpasa-3
- Conditions
- Performance, Soccer, Mental Fatigue
- Keywords
- Neuromuscular control, Fatigue, Cognitive fatigue, Soccer performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 May 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The study employed a randomized, parallel-group, between-subjects design in which participants were assigned to either the MF+ or MF- condition and completed a single testing session accordingly. All test sessions were conducted on synthetic turf pitches and comprised three stages of testing, which included assessments of aerobic and anaerobic endurance, jumping, agility, and balance. During the familiarization session, players were briefed on the study procedures, practiced the main tasks, and became accustomed to the equipment and environment used during the intervention. During the MF+ session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants completed a 30-minute Color-word Stroop task (CST) to induce MF. To minimize external influence, players were not prompted or verbally encouraged during testing. Immediately, after each session, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6--20) were recorded using the category-level Borg scale (29), and enjoyment was assessed using the exercise enjoyment scale, a bipolar instrument consisting of eight items scored on a 1-7 Likert scale.
Detailed description
The study employed a randomized, parallel-group, between-subjects design in which participants were assigned to either the MF+ or MF- condition and completed a single testing session accordingly. Players were recommended to sleep for at least 7-8 hours, refrain from exercising at moderate to high intensity, and avoid consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages during the 24 hours before the intervention. Indoor and outdoor temperatures (25-28°C) and humidity levels (35-40%) were kept consistent across all intervention sessions. All test sessions were conducted on synthetic turf pitches and comprised three stages of testing, which included assessments of aerobic and anaerobic endurance, jumping, agility, and balance. During the familiarization session, players were briefed on the study procedures, practiced the main tasks, and became accustomed to the equipment and environment used during the intervention. During the MF+ session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants completed a 30-minute Color-word Stroop task (CST) to induce MF. Four color words (red, blue, green, and yellow) were randomly printed, and participants were required to verbally name the color of each word. During the control (MF-) session, prior to each physical testing stage, participants watched emotionally neutral documentaries for 30 minutes. Each testing session began with a standardized 15-minute warm-up, consisting of 5 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity running followed by 10 minutes of upper- and lower-extremity-specific dynamic stretching, mobility exercises, and change-of-direction drills. To minimize external influence, players were not prompted or verbally encouraged during testing. Immediately, after each session, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE 6--20) were recorded using the category-level Borg scale, and enjoyment was assessed using the exercise enjoyment scale, a bipolar instrument consisting of eight items scored on a 1-7 Likert scale.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Crossover Assignment
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Fatigue (MF+) | Other | Other: MF+During the MF+ session, before each physical testing phase, participants completed a 30-min Colour Word Stroop task (CST) to trigger |
| Control (MF-) | Other | Other: MF-Control |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 16 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Being healthy
- Male soccer players
- Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Being under 14 years old
- Having a chronic disease
- Contraindications for exercise
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| MF+During the MF+ session, before each physical testing phase, participants completed a 30-min Colour Word Stroop task (CST) to trigger MF. The paper-based version of the CST was completed in quiet rooms following the same protocol as in previous studies. This prolonged cognitive task was reported to require sustained attention and automatic response inhibition and effectively induced MF through cognitive manipulation. ThyIt had ben Four colour words (red, blue, green and yellow) were randomly printed and participants were asked to verbalise the colour of each word. | Other | Mental Fatigue (MF+) |
| MF-During the control session, before each physical testing phase, participants watched emotionally neutral documentaries for 30 min. | Other | Control (MF-) |
Primary outcome
Aerobic performance assessment
Time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
The test consisted of shuttle runs between two landmarks placed 20 metres apart, and athletes were required to complete a short active recovery period by running or walking within 10 seconds after each shuttle run. The testing protocol typically includes a standardised warm-up followed by progressive shuttle runs until exhaustion. The distance travelled or the level reached before exhaustion is used to measure performance. The test was carried out on an artificial turf field according to the recommended procedures.
Countermovement jump performance assessment
Time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Countermovement jump tests with arms free (CMJf) tests were used to test the performance of the players in the vertical jump test. Each player's CMJf jump height was measured via Optojump photoelectric cells (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). To ensure proper recovery and reduce fatigue, players were given a passive rest period of 2 minutes between consecutive trials in the same jump test. In addition, there was a rest period of 5 min between the different jump tests.
Agility performance assessment
Time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
Players completed three Zig-Zag agility tests with a ball (ZZwB) on a synthetic turf field. Each set was followed by a 3-minute recovery period, and the fastest time recorded from all sets was considered to be the performance of the test. The ZZwB trail comprises four 5-meter sections designed at 100° angles. In a previous study by Mirkov et al. (34), a coefficient of variation of 21.12%, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.81 and 0.84, and typical measurement errors of 0.21 and 0.098 were reported for ZZwB.
Balence performance assessment
Time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
The Y balance test was used for balance measurements. Before the test, the length of both legs of each player was measured via a standard tape measure from the anterior superior iliac spine to the most distal medial malleolus in the supine position. The test, consisting of three different directions of movement (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral), was used to assess dynamic balance with a single-leg stance while reaching these directions. After six trials on each foot for familiarization, each player performed three successful reaches 15 s apart. After the test, the composite score (CS) was calculated via the following formula (37): CS = [(maximum anterior reach + maximum posteromedial reach + maximum posterolateral reach)/(leg length × 3)] × 100.
Anaerobic Endurance assessment
Time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day
A three-corner run test (TCRT) was used to assess the speed and anaerobic endurance of the players. After the start signal, the players ran to a flagpole 80 m away from the start. The players then turned to the left side and ran to a flagpole, 20 m away from flagpole. After that, the players returned to flagpole 82.4 m from the start. Finally, turning to the right, the players ran to finish line and crossed the line to end the test.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 May 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 34937971Arslan E, Soylu Y, Clemente FM, Hazir T, Kin Isler A, Kilit B. Short-term effects of on-field combined core strength and small-sided games training on physical performance in young soccer players. Biol Sport. 2021 Oct;38(4):609-616. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2021.102865. Epub 2021 Feb 11.
- Results publication: PubMed 36247954Soylu Y, Ramazanoglu F, Arslan E, Clemente FM. Effects of mental fatigue on the psychophysiological responses, kinematic profiles, and technical performance in different small-sided soccer games. Biol Sport. 2022 Oct;39(4):965-972. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2022.110746. Epub 2021 Dec 30.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing MF+ and MF- in people with Performance and Soccer, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa 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 3 inclusion and 3 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 21 May 2025. 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?
Aerobic performance assessment (time frame: From baseline to the end of measurement at 1 day). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06982326, which also lists 2 linked publications.
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 21 May 2025.