The effects of a smartphone game training intervention on executive functions in youth soccer players

A Randomized Controlled Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID5284844
AutoresFlorian Heilmann (0000-0003-1530-734X, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, autor de correspondencia), Damiano Formenti (0000-0002-2941-937X, University of Insubria), Athos Trecroci (0000-0002-6080-5260, University of Milan), Franziska Lautenbach (0000-0002-0603-6552, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
Año2023
Volumen5
Páginas1170738-1170738
Fecha de publicación2023-08-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2023.1170738
PMID37601169
OpenAlexW4385516114
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas66

Cognitive training primarily aims to improve executive functions (EFs). It has become a popular research topic, as previous studies have provided preliminary evidence that EFs relate to sports performance. However, whether a domain-generic cognitive training intervention can improve EFs in high-performance athletes is still unclear. The present randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week (5 min/day, 5 days/week) smartphone-based domain-generic cognitive training intervention (i.e., the smartphone game "Fruit Ninja") on EFs in youth soccer athletes (N = 33; intervention: n = 15, passive control: n = 18; German youth soccer academy). We assessed working memory (3-back task), inhibition (Flanker & Go/NoGo task), and cognitive flexibility (number-letter task) in a pre-post design with computerized tasks. The results showed no significant time x group differences attributable to the cognitive training between the intervention group and the control group, except for a response time variable of the Go/NoGo task. These preliminary results do not suggest an application of CT as a smartphone-based game to improve EFs performance in soccer players. However, more research is needed to establish the efficacy of domain-specific interventions in high-level team sport athletes

Athletes · Cognition · Cognitive flexibility · Cognitive Intervention · Cognitive Training · Executive functions · Physical therapy · Psychological intervention · Randomized controlled trial · Applied Psychology · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Cognitive Functions and Memory · Medicine · Psychology