Peripheral Perception In Soccer: Effects Of Sports-specific Dual Task Training

Abstract

In soccer, abilities such as peripheral perception seem to be of special importance. However, the extent to which these skills can be improved through practical and sports-specific training interventions has not been conclusively clarified. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of an 8-week sports-specific training intervention under dual-task conditions on the peripheral perception of young, highly talented soccer players. METHODS:34 highly talented male soccer players (12.7 ± .5 yrs) were assigned to an intervention group (IG: 15 subjects) and a control group (CG: 19 subjects). Computer-based measurements were conducted for pretest (T0) and posttest (T1). Outcome parameters were reaction time (RT) for left-sided (RTL) and right-sided (RTR) peripherally perceived stimuli. The sports-specific perceptual cognitive training (8 weeks, 20 min weekly) consisted of juggling training and two soccer-specific double tasks ("juggling and peripheral passing", "foveal focus and peripheral reaction"). RESULTS: The two-way ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect for RTR between the groups (IG, KG) and the measurement times (T0, T1) (F(1, 32) = 9.63, p = .004, η2 = .23). For left-sided stimuli (RTL) ANOVA did not show a significant interaction effect (time x group) (F(1, 32) = .49, p = .49, η2 = .02). A significant interaction effect (time x group) could be determined for RT (F(1,32) = 4.85, p = .035, η2=.13). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention showed a significant effect on right-sided peripheral reaction time of highly talented soccer players. The analysis of the left-sided reaction time showed no significant interaction effect. Based on demands for sports-specific transfer tasks, the shown training intervention represents a practical approach to improve perceptual-cognitive skills. In future analyzes, neurophysiological parameters (e.g. changes in activity in the motor cortex) should be recorded in order to determine the importance of dual tasks for the development of perceptual-cognitive abilities of young highly talented soccer players and to understand underlying mechanisms.