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Cognitive-Integrated Soccer Training and Performance
Sponsor: Fan Mao
Summary
This study will examine whether an 8-week soccer-specific cognitive-motor training program can improve executive functions, decision-making, and soccer skill performance in youth soccer players. Soccer players often need to scan the field, process information quickly, choose appropriate actions, and perform technical skills under pressure. The training program is designed to combine soccer skills with game-like cognitive demands, such as recognizing opponents' movement, selecting passing or dribbling options, and responding to changing play situations. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a soccer-specific cognitive-motor training group or an active control technical training group. Both groups will train three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their usual soccer training. The study will compare changes in soccer decision-making, executive functions, and skill performance from baseline to post-intervention and to a four-week retention test.
Official title: Effects of Soccer-Specific Cognitive-Motor Training on Executive Functions, Decision-Making, and Skill Performance in Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
16 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
64
Start Date
2024-02-15
Completion Date
2024-06-27
Last Updated
2026-07-07
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Cognitively Engaging Soccer Practice
This intervention integrates cognitive elements into basic soccer skill practice. Participants engage in 20-minute soccer dribbling sessions that include decision-making tasks, attention control, and working memory challenges embedded within motor actions. For example, players must react to color or number cues while performing dribbling drills. The purpose is to enhance both motor learning and cognitive performance through dual-task engagement.Cognitively Engaging Soccer Practice
Conventional Soccer Practice
This intervention consists of traditional soccer dribbling training without added cognitive tasks. Participants perform the same duration and frequency of soccer skill practice (20 minutes) focusing purely on motor performance and technique refinement. No external cognitive demands are introduced.
Locations (1)
Qingdao University, School of Physical Education
Qingdao, Shandong, China