An Incongruent 2-Minute Stroop Task Alters the Response Time Performance in Semi-Elite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study
Introduction: Mental fatigue is a key factor in soccer that can affect physical performance. Mental fatigue protocols based on the Stroop test used in soccer involve extensive time, ranging from 10 to 30 min. Offering a protocol with a shorter duration that is more applicable in ecological situation...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10296 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Mental fatigue is a key factor in soccer that can affect physical performance. Mental fatigue protocols based on the Stroop test used in soccer involve extensive time, ranging from 10 to 30 min. Offering a protocol with a shorter duration that is more applicable in ecological situations seems to be an exciting challenge. Objective: To analyze the effects of a mental fatigue induction protocol (2 min Stroop test in its incongruent mode) on decision-making, response time, and technical execution accuracy in soccer players. Methods: A total of 18 semi-elite soccer male players, 25.83 (4.71) years from a Spanish soccer team, participated in this cross-sectional study. The 2 min incongruent Stroop test was used like mental fatigue protocol, followed by a specific analytical soccer task. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the statistical differences. Results: A significant increase in participants’ response time after the fatigue protocol (<i>p</i> < 0.001; r = 0.878) was observed. Regarding the variables of correct decision (<i>p</i> = 0.457; r = 0.031) and technical execution accuracy (<i>p</i> = 1; r < 0.001), no significant differences were found. Additionally, no differences were observed between the first and second attempts of the 2 min incongruent Stroop test, in terms of execution accuracy, errors, or total words. Conclusions: The 2 min Stroop incongruent task may induce some degree of mental fatigue, leading to slower response time during certain technical tasks in semi-elite soccer players. However, this Stroop task was insufficient to promote significant changes in the accuracy of technical execution and the effectiveness of decision-making. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3417 |