November 2016
in
International Journal of Exercise Science
This exploratory study sought to evaluate the relationship between spatial awareness, agility, and distance covered as measured by GPS.
12 American collegiate athletes were assessed on spatial awareness (NeuroTracker: 1 Core session),agility (Pro-agility and T Drill), and then measured for running distance in a competitive Rubgy match at low, moderate and high intensity running speeds.
Agility measures did not correlate with any of the running speeds, and the spatial awareness measure did not correlate with low or high intensity running. However spatial awareness did correlate significantly with moderate intensity running (cruising/striding). Spatial awareness, as measured by NeuroTracker, appears to be related to the moderate intensity movement patterns of rugby union athletes. The researchers hypothesize that the ability to track teammates and opponents while at striding speed may be result of the processing of external and internal stimuli, while generally attempting to navigate open space on the pitch.
Intensive sports training may offset the perceptual–cognitive disadvantage associated with being relatively younger within an age cohort during childhood and adolescence.
To examine whether relative age (birth quartile), training background, and stereopsis influence perceptual–cognitive performance measured using a 3D multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) task in youth athletes.
A total of 165 male youth athletes aged 10–16 years were categorized by birth quartile and training exposure (moderately trained: 1–2 sessions/week; well-trained: 4–5 sessions/week). Participants completed a standard NeuroTracker 3D-MOT protocol under both stereoscopic (3D) and non-stereoscopic (2D) conditions. Speed thresholds were calculated using an adaptive staircase procedure and compared across groups.
Among moderately trained athletes, those born earlier in the selection year outperformed relatively younger peers, demonstrating a perceptual–cognitive Relative Age Effect. However, in well-trained athletes, performance differences between birth quartiles disappeared, with later-born athletes achieving comparable tracking thresholds. Performance was significantly higher in 3D versus 2D conditions, but stereopsis did not interact with birth quartile or training status.
These findings suggest that structured training exposure may mitigate perceptual–cognitive disadvantages associated with relative age during development.
Dynamic visual tracking performance in young basketball players does not significantly decline following cognitive fatigue induced by a Stroop task.
To investigate whether acute cognitive fatigue, induced via a Stroop task, affects multiple object tracking performance in young basketball athletes.
Participants were young basketball players who completed a standard Stroop task designed to induce cognitive fatigue. After the Stroop protocol, participants were assessed on a 3D multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) task to evaluate perceptual-cognitive tracking performance under fatigued cognitive conditions. Performance on the NeuroTracker task was compared between the fatigue condition and either baseline or control conditions.
Participants’ 3D-MOT performance did not show a significant decrement following Stroop-induced cognitive fatigue. Dynamic tracking thresholds and accuracy remained statistically similar across the fatigued and non-fatigued conditions, suggesting that the athletes’ perceptual-cognitive tracking ability was resilient to this laboratory-induced mental fatigue protocol.
NeuroTracker 3D-MOT baseline performance was established using CORE sessions, and the intervention showed gains in tracking ability though broader performance transfer was limited.
To evaluate the effects of a vision training program — including 3D multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) as implemented in NeuroTracker — on perceptual-cognitive performance in an athletic or high-performance context.
Participants completed baseline NeuroTracker assessments using the standard CORE program (three CORE sessions and one sustained attention session) to establish baseline dynamic tracking speed thresholds. The training protocol involved repeated 3D-MOT sessions embedded within a broader vision training regimen. Performance was assessed pre- and post-training.
Baseline assessments used the NeuroTracker CORE protocol to quantify tracking thresholds. Post-training increases in baseline tracking performance were observed, suggesting that repeated 3D-MOT exposure enhanced basic perceptual-cognitive tracking ability. However, the pilot nature of the study and limited transfer to broader functional outcomes indicate that while 3D-MOT improves task-specific performance, the broader utility for real-world or sport performance remains preliminary.
Baseline NeuroTracker performance was not significantly associated with overall season performance metrics in university varsity athletes.
To determine whether baseline NeuroTracker performance predicts overall season sport performance in university varsity athletes.
University varsity athletes completed baseline NeuroTracker assessments prior to their competitive season. Objective season performance statistics were collected and analyzed to evaluate potential associations between baseline perceptual-cognitive tracking ability and in-season performance outcomes.
No significant correlation was found between baseline NeuroTracker performance and overall season sport performance metrics. These findings suggest that baseline perceptual-cognitive tracking ability alone may not directly predict aggregate competitive outcomes, highlighting the multifactorial nature of sport performance.
Domain-specific cognitive training led to measurable improvements in executive function performance in youth elite soccer players.
To investigate whether domain-specific cognitive training can enhance executive function performance in youth elite soccer players.
Elite youth soccer players completed a structured cognitive training program targeting perceptual-cognitive and executive processes. Standardized executive function measures were administered before and after the intervention to assess changes in cognitive performance.
Participants demonstrated significant improvements in executive function measures following the training intervention, suggesting that structured cognitive training may enhance higher-order cognitive processes relevant to athletic performance. These findings support the potential value of targeted cognitive training approaches within elite youth sport development programs.
Extended 3D-MOT training improved tracking performance but did not transfer to measurable in-game soccer performance metrics.
To examine whether improvements in 3D-MOT performance transfer to objective in-game performance outcomes in competitive soccer players.
Youth soccer athletes completed a structured 3D-MOT training program across multiple sessions. Pre- and post-training NeuroTracker performance was measured, alongside objective game performance statistics collected during competitive play to evaluate potential transfer effects.
While participants demonstrated significant improvements in 3D-MOT speed thresholds following training, no corresponding improvements were observed in match-based performance metrics. These findings suggest that gains in perceptual-cognitive tracking ability may not automatically translate to measurable in-game performance outcomes under competitive conditions.
The #1 Most Scientifically Validated Cognitive Training System in the world. Built on 20 years of neuroscience research by leading authorities in their fields. Improve your brain and performance.
.png)