Perceptual-cognitive Training with the NeuroTracker 3D-MOT to Improve Performance in Three Different Sports

2.6-hours of NeuroTracker training significantly improves visual abilities and sports vision skills in Olympic tennis, taekwondo, and water polo athletes.

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Research
Athletes

January 2015

in

Educació Física i Esports

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Aim

To analyze the effectiveness of NeuroTracker training to improve sports vision and cognitive performance using a progressive single and dual-task training protocol.

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Method

37 elite water polo (13), taekwondo (12) and tennis elite athletes (12) completed 26 NeuroTracker sessions progressing from single-task training to progressively complex dual-task training. Pre and post training all athletes underwent a comprehensive battery of optometric vision assessments. Throughout the training program both athletes and their coaches completed frequent visual-analogue questionnaire assessments to assess changes in concentration, perception speed and peripheral vision performance.

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Result

Overall NeuroTracker learning rates were high. Although scores initially dropped on progressing to more complex dual-task motor-skills, performance recovered quickly to the level expected with single-task performance. This that dual-task training methods with NeuroTracker can efficiently consolidate new skills into using a progressive overload methodology. Post-training assessments revealed a statistically significant gains in most visual abilities, including static visual acuity, stereopsis, spatial contrast sensitivity, saccadic ocular movements, and visual selective attention. Transfer to related sports performance abilities was seen with both coach and athlete questionnaire assessments, with consistently significant improvements throughout the program. Although the athletes tended to rate their performance higher than coaches, their improvement ratings were close to identical.

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