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  • THE INVOLVEMENT OF ADVANCED COGNITIVE SKILLS IN VARIOUS FOOTBALL – SPECIFIC TESTS A PILOT STUDY
    Views:
    122

    Sports professionals should encourage the development of cognitive functions as often as possible in training. Stimulating the brain with alternating stimuli can promote concentration, attention, and the development of situational awareness and decision-making skills. The more and more diverse stimuli the player receives, the faster and more effectively he will react to match situations. Our research examined the effect of exercises requiring advanced cognitive skills on the training load. Changes in cardiovascular data were monitored using Polar Verity Sense 4J and Polarflow systems. The pilot study involved a U-16 football player. Our results demonstrated that in addition to increasing speed, duration, and number of repetitions, the gradual inclusion of decision-making situations can also effectively increase the load. The participant completed two sets of exercises. During the second test, more complex exercises required advanced cognitive skills. The average heart rate for the first test was 130 beats per minute. We experienced an increase in the average value (150 beats per minute) during the completion of the second test. We measured an average 15 percent increase in the participants' heart rate.

  • COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COGNITIVE ABILITIES STRESS TOLERANCE AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED ATHLETES
    Views:
    371

    Introduction: Cognitive skills are essential in team sports. Perception, decision-making (tactical thinking, learning, attention, thinking, emotions), stress tolerance, and even the level of motor and technical-tactical skills all affect performance.

    Objective: We found a significant difference in stress tolerance of novice / young and experienced team sport players (BALOGH, DONKA 2020). Our results showed that experienced athletes have higher level of  stress tolerance.  However, as this was a descriptive study, we intended to support our statement involving more number of subjects, and an analysis of cognitive abilities.

    Method: A cross-sectional experimental study was performed on 41 male and 13 female team sport (handball, volleyball and football) players. We used the VTS DT software package for cognitive abilities and the MDE Heidelberg StressHolter (gastro, HR, TH, GSR) for stress measurement. During the 35-minute measurement process, a state of rest was measured in the first stage, a response to a 10-minute stress situation (VTS-DT for the cognitive test) in the second stage, and a state of rest and latency in the third stage.

    Results: We found a significant relationship between stress tolerance and the cognitive ability of female and male participants. Our results demonstrated that football players had a lower level of  stress tolerance than other team sport players. They also tent to make more mistakes in the VTS-DT test.

    Conclusions: The classification into novice and experienced categories need to be done more uniformly in the future. We are aware of it, that the unequal number of participants by sports, is one of the limitations of our study. However, it is encouraging that significant results demonstrate a strong relationship between stress tolerance and the number of appropriate decisions. These results reveal other areas of research for us.

     

  • EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
    Views:
    904

    Introduction: Examining physical activity and cognitive function has become a popular topic of research since the quality of these two components influences our quality of life and performance. It is very important for both sexes, all ages and life situations.

    Objective: Determining a type of physical activity (PA) that has an effect on both cognitive functions (CF) and motor skills and performance. Clarifying or promoting measurement methods, or developing new methods that meet current standards and objectives. The results may be used to help to impove performance in all areas.

    Method: Primary purpose of our study was to conduct a review, in order to summarize the relevant literature on the following topics: sex, age, fitness level, possible illness.

    Conclusions: We found a significant relationship between cognitive functions and physical activity, which can be transposition in a proper way, both in terms of living standards and performance. On the other hand, there are a lack of uniform, accurate measurement methods. Thhere is a need for specific physical activity routines that specifically improve the level of cognitive function, even at an older age.

  • EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DANCE AND COGNITIVE SKILLS DANCE AND DEMENTIA
    Views:
    1007

    Introduction: The study of dance and cognitive abilities is a common research topic today, as well as many studies and articles on the aspects of physical activity and cognitive relationships. Studying the topic is essential, as the two components actively influence our performance and quality of life, regardless of gender, age, or education

    Objective: To examine the effect of dancing activities has a beneficial effect on motor and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, to investigate the interaction of dance and dementia. Researching exercise programs that do not worsen or accelerate the processes associated with aging, but help to stagnate dementia at that time.

    Method: For analysis, we used an overview of English and Hungarian studies focusing on dance and dementia from Google Scholar and Research Gate.

    Results: According to most research articles, various dance therapies have an impact on cognitive abilities, and studies have shown that dancing exercise programs (either in pairs or solo) do not impair the health of people with dementia. Many studies do not provide accurate test data, which would be extremely important as further research is conducted.

    Conclusions: First, there is a significant relationship between cognitive function and physical activity. On the other hand, there are no specific procedures, exercise programs, or measurement methods that can improve dementia.

  • EXAMINATION OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AFFECTING SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ATHLETE EXPERIENCE
    Views:
    377

    Introduction: In our research, we investigated the components, executive functions, and cognitive abilities underlying decision-making in sports performance using a computer-based test system. To define the athlete experience, we classified athletes according to an exact, unambiguous definition following international terminology, based on their performance, achievement, playing age, and sport's popularity. We hypothesize that team athlete with significant athletic experience will perform better on the executive function test. 

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on team athletes N=52. The VTS-DT test was used to measure executive function. The classification of athlete experience was based on an internationally accepted taxonomy defined with scientific precision (SWANNN, 2015). 

    Results: When classified by athlete experience, the athletes we studied fell into amateur and elite categories. The DT/S2 scores of the two groups were compared based on each factor. We obtained trend-like correlations for the factors 'number of reactions', 'number of stimulations,' and 'number of good responses. Correlation analysis was performed between the factors on a group-by-group basis. When examining the relationship between reaction time, we found that there is a strong relationship with the number of stimulations (amateurs: r = -0.80; elite athletes: r = -0.87) since the faster someone is (i.e., the less reaction time), the more times they can respond to stimulations. Looking at the results for elite athletes, we also observe a moderately strong relationship between reaction time and the number of good responses (r = -0.68). We may suggest that experienced athletes could produce better responses faster than less professional athletes.

    Conclusions: Our hypotheses were partially confirmed, as we found a trend-like correlation that elite athletes scored higher on the DT test, which examined athletes' executive functions in a complex, adaptive way. Our research demonstrates that, on the one hand, it is worthwhile for coaches to build on experienced athletes when assembling a team, in addition to the momentum of young athletes, and that the development of executive functions and cognitive skills can improve the performance of athletes.  

  • BREAKABLE PERFORMANCE - THE ROLE OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS IN ELITE SPORT, INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK
    Views:
    476

    Our study aimed to analyze mental toughness and its relationship to sports performance. We reviewed 38 qualitative and quantitative international studies. We performed an in-depth investigation on mental toughness; we also focused on how to improve mental toughness. We hypothesized a significant difference in both genders, suggesting that coaches substantially impact mental toughness. We primarily concentrate on valid, real-time assessments and psychological training in elite sports athletes. Sport psychologists, mental trainers play an essential role in elite sports performance.  Results of related studies demonstrated that these age and gender-specific mental training sessions are effective in improving performance. There is an increasing need for computer-based interactive testing methods to analyze cognitive and psychomotor skills under pressure. 

  • EFFECT OF ELDERLY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THEIR COGNITIVE SKILLS DANCE AND DEMENTIA
    Views:
    595

    For the analysis, we used a review of English and Hungarian theories and systematic studies focusing on aging activity, dementia, successful aging, movement therapies, and its effects from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Research Gate databases.

    Results: Today, a significant problem is a decline in aging's cognitive abilities and untreated nature. Thus, many studies report that positive change in life quality can be achieved through physical activity. Studies show that dance exercise programs (either in pairs or solos) do not impair patients' health with dementia.

    Conclusions: Physical activity positively affects the decline of cognitive functions; indeed, it does not impair brain function activation during aging. For the elderly with dementia and its variants, music and dance therapy have beneficial consequences, especially memory and reaction speed. Regular physical activity enhances physical and psychological well-being, resulting in an improved quality of life. 

     

  • PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AMONG COMPETITIVE ROWERS
    Views:
    283

    Introduction: Elite rowing athletes participated in anthropometric, psychological and physiological tests.

    Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relations between the traits of sport-confidence and competitive orientation, as well as to compare state measures of sport-confidence, self-efficacy and anxiety. Furthermore, this study targeted to examine the associations of these state measures with performance, in our case the 2000m rowing ergometer run time.

    Material and methods: Rowers (N=15) were subjected to anthropometric, psychological and physiological tests: max 2000 m on Rowing Ergo-test, Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28, Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and Sport Competition Anxiety Test.

    Results: CSAI-self-confidence showed a statistically significant difference between genders with boys having a higher score. Overall, SCAT (anxiety) scores were low (normal anxiety) in the sample for the vast majority (12 rowers), only 3 participants showed high anxiety.

    Conclusion: The psychological profile does not contribute significantly performance on 2000m Rowing Ergo-test but affects it. Girls completed the distance in a longer period of time, and cognitive anxiety was relatively greater among girls. Additionally, our study pointed out that if the physical parameters are 'inadequate,' then the psychological profile does not contribute to better performance.

  • THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DECISION-MAKING AND GAME INTELLIGENCE WITH BASKETBALL STATISTICS
    Views:
    575

    Introduction: basketball is one of the most popular teams sports worldwide. It is generally regarded as the second most popular sport globally, with around 450 million registered players (RÁTGÉBER et al., 2019). The attention, decision-making, interaction with the participants, and recovery of a basketball player are complex. It can be influenced by internal and external factors as well as by different stimuli. The current mental and physical state of athletes affects their performance. Experience, reception and adaptation of developmental stimuli determine performance during the game. Cognitive abilities, executive functions, and inhibition are all psychological processes that can help or hinder concentration. It is essential to assess and measure to enhance sports performance and provide objective support for our subjective assumptions. Many technical and tactical elements characterize basketball, but it is also essential to have relevant motor and affective skills when making decisions. Players need to adapt to sudden and varied stimuli and make the most intelligent and appropriate decision to achieve a positive outcome. Live statistics may indicate the effectiveness of decision-making during the game. In the present study, we analyzed the results of the Color-Word Interference Test and Trail Making Test prior to and after the games.

  • THE APPLICATION OF NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING IN ELITE YOUTH FENCERS
    Views:
    166

    During our research, we applied neurofeedback training to youth fencers. We investigated the effects of the six-week intervention program on the mental toughness, stress tolerance and executive functions of teenage epee fencers.

    We used the validated Muse 2 EEG-based Teamflow system, the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, Electrogastrographic Stress Holter (MDE Heidelberg, MSB MET Balatonfüred) and the internationally recognized stress test of the Vienna Test System (Schufried, Vienna).

    The practical benefit of neurofeedback training can be seen in its application as a complementary method, as this innovative protocol can help enhance the performance of the athlete. However, the international literature is not clear about the effect of neurofeedback training

    In conclusion, the improvements can be observed in mental toughness and psycho-physiological indicators, but negative changes can also be observed in several parameters in both subjects. Various other psycho-physiological factors need to be taken into account, since our pilot study included two participants.

  • THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND FREE THROW AMONG ELITE YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS
    Views:
    357

     

    In our research, we compared the effectiveness of the penalty throw, one of the game's main elements that determine the effectiveness of basketball, with the level of mental toughness. In basketball, a penalty throw is a technical element that requires the most concentration in addition to the correct execution. The effectiveness of a penalty throw may be a decisive factor in a game. We assume that a skilled penalty thrower has a high degree of mental toughness since the main criteria are the motivation for success and maintaining appropriate self-confidence, even despite occasional failures. Our goal is to find any relationship between the two variables, thus helping the preparation of coaches and athletes. 

  • THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AROUSAL ZONE, ANXIETY, STRESS AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE
    Views:
    2073

    This study aimed to examine the relationship between optimal functioning zone, anxiety, stress, and athletic performance. We conducted a systematic review of the available scientific articles and publications. Related literature was analyzed, relevant, or helpful in understanding the psychological aspects of athletic performance. It discusses the method and validity of hypotheses and approaches that have already appeared scientifically. We examined multidimensional approaches, which discuss the suitability and implications of some recent and more complex models of stress and performance. We may conclude that the relationship between stress and athletic performance is multidimensional. We also examined several factors, such as the interaction between the nature of the stressor, the cognitive needs of the task, and the individuals' psychological characteristics. Both physical and mental preparation is critical to successful sports performance. This way, the level of physical skills, mental preparedness significantly determine overall athletic performance. The article aims to provide a historical overview of the implementation, testing, and measurement of IZOF and other applied models.