An assist for cognitive diagnostics in soccer (Part II): Development and validation of a task to measure working memory in a soccer-specific setting

Abstract

Cognitive diagnostics is of increasing interest to researchers and practitioners in the context of talent identification and performance enhancement in professional soccer. Research addressing the relevance of cognitive skills for sports performance has been based on the cognitive component approach (i.e., general cognitive processes) and the expert performance approach (i.e., sport-specific cognitive processes). Following the aim to combine the strengths of both approaches, we have previously developed and validated tasks to measure inhibition and cognitive flexibility in a soccer-specific setting, including a soccer-specific motor response. In line with the broad consistency on three core executive functions, this further development of diagnosing executive functions is to be completed with a task for the assessment of working memory. For this purpose, 60 amateur players with a soccer experience of at least one competitive season (Mage = 25.95, SDage = 4.59) first conducted a computer-based version of the n-back (3-back) task followed by a 3-back task that required a soccer-specific motor response (i.e., pass) performed in a soccer-specific setting (i.e., SoccerBot100). Results show good reliability for both tasks. With regard to convergent validity, significant correlations between the computerized and soccer-specific task could be determined in target trials for response time (r = 0.446) and accuracy (r = 0.401). Thus, the soccer-specific n-back task can be considered a potentially valid instrument for assessing working memory and potentially allows soccer clubs to diagnose the three core executive functions in a consistent soccer-specific setting.

Developing integrative practice on basic soccer skills to stimulate cognitive promotion for children and adolescents

“…By taking 2-back task and flanker test as the models of practice design, two dribbling drills were proposed as examples of integrating working memory and inhibitory control into practice. It is worth noticing two recent studies that established cognitive diagnostic tools in a soccer-specific setting (Musculus et al, 2022;Knöbel and Lautenbach, 2023). Participants made soccer-specific responses in the tasks of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.…”

The interaction between acute emotional states and executive functions in youth elite soccer players

“…In Study 2, the flanker task and the number-letter task were applied in the SoccerBot360 (SB) as the validation of the n-back task measuring working memory has not been completed at this time ( Knöbel and Lautenbach, 2023 ). The SB is a circular training device with a diameter of 10 m that provides for a 90-m 2 field in a 360° environment surrounded by a 32- segment wall, each segment 1-m wide and 2.5-m high, serving as a projection area for the training content and against which played balls can be kicked.…”

Skillful and strategic navigation in soccer – a motor-cognitive dual-task approach for the evaluation of a dribbling task under different cognitive load conditions

“…A possible transfer effect as well as the dependence on subjective decisions about correct answers necessitate further research efforts. Musculus et al (2022) and Knöbel and Lautenbach (2023) aimed to combine the strengths of both approaches to develop and validate cognitive tasks for measuring inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory in a soccer-specific context. The tasks were paired with a soccer-specific motor response (i.e., pass).…”