Neurocognitive abilities in soccer athletes are different from healthy non-athletes subjects

Abstract

Objectives This study was conducted to compare the reaction time & anticipation skills of football players with non-athletes. Methods Participants of the study were 10 male soccer players and 10 male non-athletes. Auditory choice reaction time, auditory complex choice reaction time, visual choice reaction time, visual complex choice reaction time, ball anticipation skills with high & low speed individuals were assessed by using Speed Anticipation and Reaction Time (SART) Tester software. Results Results showed significant differences (P = 0.000) between healthy athletes and healthy non-athletes males in the tests of auditory choice reaction time, auditory complex choice reaction, visual choice reaction time, visual complex choice reaction time as well as anticipation skills. Athlete males had higher cognitive abilities as compared to the non-athlete healthy individuals. Conclusion Soccer players gain extensive knowledge regarding specific neurocognitive model of soccer during their vast exercise sessions and show better cognitive abilities in comparison with non-athletes in similar sport circumstances (like SART).