Abstract
Objectives
This study investigated the relationship of executive functions and physical abilities in youth and adult elite soccer players.
Design and methods
In all, 172 elite soccer players (12–34 years of age) performed a computer-based test battery assessing multiple-object tracking, working memory capacity, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition. Another series of tests measured endurance-performance at the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), ability to repeatedly perform intense exercises (RIEA), and maximal anaerobic performance parameters (squat jump, counter movement jump, drop jump quotient, sprint time).
Results
Executive functions and maximal anaerobic parameters showed small to moderate correlations for example, working memory capacity and cognitive flexibility with sprint, countermovement- and drop jump along with a correlation of inhibition and RIEA.
Conclusion
These findings favor specific motor–cognition associations rather than a one-fits-all association. Specifically, sprint and jump seem to be more closely linked to cognitive skills than endurance parameters and represent fundamental associations across several age groups.
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We would like to thank Dr. Kreitz for helpful comments on previous versions of the manuscript.
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This work was supported by SV Werder Bremen GmbH & Co KGaA.
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H.-E. Scharfen and D. Memmert declare that they have no competing interests.
For this article no studies with animals were performed by any of the authors. All studies performed were in accordance with the ethical standards indicated in each case.
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Scharfen, HE., Memmert, D. Relationship of executive functions and physical abilities in elite soccer players. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 52, 341–349 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-021-00767-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-021-00767-x