Modulation of Spatial Attentional Allocation by Computer-Based Cognitive Training during Lacrosse Shooting Performance

Abstract

It has been reported that repetitive execution of a stimulus–response compatibility (SRC) task attenuates the interference effect of a choice reaction time task, known as a Simon task. We investigated whether attentional control, enhanced by repetitive execution of an SRC task, would reduce the interference effect of a Simon task and could be transferred to lacrosse shooting skills, increasing the likelihood that players would shoot in the direction opposite to the goalie’s initial movement. Female lacrosse players who were matched in terms of age, handedness score, competitive lacrosse playing experience, and playing position, were allocated to the SRC task group (n = 15) or the 2-back training group (n = 14). Participants underwent 10 sessions of 180 trials of a computer-based version of either a Type 2 SRC task or the 2-back task, within four consecutive weeks. Eight practice trials were completed prior to the execution of each task in every training session, during which feedback was provided to confirm accurate mapping between the stimulus and response. Before and after the training phase, both the magnitude of the Simon effect and the lacrosse shooting performance were assessed. After participating in computer-based cognitive training, players did indeed increase the number of shots toward the direction opposite to that of the movement of the goalie. In conclusion, these findings indicate that computer-based cognitive training is beneficial for improving the shooting ability of lacrosse players.

The Effects of Computer-Based and Motor-Imagery Training on Scoring Ability in Lacrosse

“…In a previous study, we clearly showed that the modulation of the spatial attentional allocation induced by 1,800 repetitions of the Type 2 task could transfer to dynamic movements, like the shooting motion in lacrosse (Hirao and Masaki, 2018). In that study, male lacrosse players who acquired a temporal representation for the spatial attentional allocation by executing a total of 1,800 trials of the Type 2 task took more shots in directions opposite to the goalie's movement.…”

“…Previous studies have implied that the magnitude of the Simon effect can be ascribed to the age group. Participants aged 5-8 years have demonstrated a complete reversal of the Simon effect (Tagliabue et al, 2000), although participants aged 19-25 years have demonstrated a fading magnitude of the Simon effect (Tagliabue et al, 2000;Hirao and Masaki, 2018). It is reasonable to assume that the Simon effect in young adults may not be reversed because a representation of a strong link between stimuli and response locations was fully consolidated.…”

“…The task in the shooting test was originally developed by our research group to investigate the shooting ability to shoot to the goal guarded by the goalie who initially stepped to the left or right side of the goal. This task was identical to that of our previous study except for the distance from the goal (Hirao and Masaki, 2018).…”

The Potential Role for Cognitive Training in Sport: More Research Needed

“…Separately, and not reviewed by Harris et al (2018) , Hirao and Masaki (2018) used the Simon Task to make those trained more able to shoot toward the opposite direction of a goal-keepers initial lateral movement. Twenty-nine lacrosse players were split into two groups, either conducting Stimulus-Response Compatibility Training, or an active control.…”

“…The work of Romeas et al (2016) and Hirao and Masaki (2018) are certainly exciting, and a positive step in the right direction for investigating the potential efficacy of CT in sport via peer-reviewed controlled trials. However, given the known difficulty of achieving far transfer following CT, it is surprising that the only known studies have both provided positive effects.…”