Sports performance and attention: improvement in young soccer players through a novel video game
ABSTRACT
Background:
Currently, the fusion of technology and sport is inseparable. The integration of various systems and devices has brought about significant transformations in established sports practices, impacting not only the rules but also physiological, biomechanical, and even psychological aspects.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of attention intervention through a video game on young soccer players.
Methods:
Twelve young male soccer players were divided into two groups: control and experimental. During the six-week training program, the experimental group received attention training through a video game twice a week for 15 minutes per session. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included a specific decision-making football test and interviews with coaching staff. Additionally, success in the video game, muscular activity, and sweat levels were monitored.
Results:
The experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in video game success following the intervention program, as indicated by the achieved level (p=0.00). However, no significant differences were found between groups regarding EMG activity and sweating (p>0.05). Prior to implementing the attention training program, both groups exhibited similar data in variables related to decision-making and execution mechanisms (%≤ 10%). Only two decision-making variables exceeded 10%, but remained below 15% (Shot_D = 13.35; Marking_with_Ball_D = -12.64). Furthermore, changes in attacking action variables were more pronounced in execution-related variables, except for Dribbling and Fixing. Conversely, in defensive action variables, changes were greater in decision-related variables, except for Marking with the ball and Marking without the ball.
Conclusions:
The findings reveal that incorporating a specific attentional video game into the football training program enhances decision-making compared to a program without it. Therefore, it is advisable for practitioners to consider using this tool due to its high efficiency in terms of economic and temporal costs, particularly in improving a key psychological variable.
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