The effects of computerized cognitive training on football academy players’ performance
Authors
Barbara Fózer-Selmeci1*, Ilona Erika Kocsis2, Zoltán Kiss2, István Csáki2, László Tóth1
1University of Physical Education (TF), Budapest, Hungary
2Puskás Ferenc Football Academy, Felcsút, Hungary
Abstract
On the football field, football players need to anticipate and react to constant changes in a relatively unpredictable environment. The aim of this study was to assess and train several cognitive abilities in junior football players. Junior football players from a football academy in Hungary participated in this study (N = 63). Their reactive behavior, their cognitive inhibition and working memory abilities were examined. Players’ cognitive abilities were evaluated using the Vienna Test System (VTS). Participants’ cognitive functioning was trained using the CogniPlus program. Previously, the CogniPlus training was used only in a neuropsychological setting, however it is tailored to a specific deficit and it reliably identifies the athlete's ability level and adapts automatically to it. A factorial repeated measures ANOVA was employed. There were non-significant differences between the training group and the control group in case of decision speed (MDT), reactive behavior (DT), response inhibition (STROOP), visuospatial working memory (CORSI). For these variables, Time x Group interactions were not statistically significant; however, based on partial eta squared effect size the change in Time was remarkably higher in the training group than in the control group. Training with CogniPlus in this assay design (3-month long training comprising two 15-minute sessions per week) did not result in a significant difference between the control group and the training group.
Keywords: reactive stress tolerance, working memory, cognitive functions, Vienna Test System
PAGES:209-228
doi:10.24193/cbb.2019.23.12
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