Comparative Effect of Cognitive-Perceptual Training on Cognitive Performance Across Playing Positions in Football
Article Sidebar
Decision-Making,
Football Players,
Peripheral Perception,
Playing Position,
Reaction Speed,
Vienna Test System
Main Article Content
Gandhi Jomoh
Sambhu Prasad
Abstract
Background: Football performance relies on cognitive-perceptual abilities that vary by playing position, yet evidence on position-specific cognitive-perceptual training is limited. This study investigated the comparative effect of cognitive-perceptual training on cognitive performance among university-level football players across different playing positions.
Methods: Sixty male football players (18-25 years) were categorized as forwards (n = 20), midfielders (n = 20) and defenders (n = 20). Participants completed an eight-week cognitive–perceptual training program using the Vienna Test System. Reaction Speed, decision-making (Cognitrone) and Peripheral Perception were assessed using a pre–post design. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA.
Result: A significant positional effect emerged for decision-making (F(2,57) = 5.17, p = .009, η² = .15), with midfielders exhibiting the greatest improvement.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that cognitive-perceptual training effectively enhances key cognitive functions in football players, particularly decision-making among midfielders. Integrating such interventions into regular training may foster improved tactical and perceptual efficiency in competitive contexts.
Article Details
Copyright (c) 2026 Gandhi Jomoh, Sambhu Prasad
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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