The fatigue on cognitive executive functions in football

The aim of this study is to examine the comparison of cognitive and physical fatigue, which emerge through fatigue protocols, with the baseline performance of scenarios in the Sensiball VR training method, including Multi-Object Tracking, Shoulder Scan, Cognitive Inhibition, and Memory-based Multi-Object Tracking. The study involved 20 amateur licensed football players from Eskişehir, with descriptive statistics of height 178.5±5.38 cm, weight 71.3±7.07 kg, and age 20.6±2.62 years. Participants first completed the 4 scenarios determined in the Sensiball VR training method in a rested condition. Then, a fatigue protocol consisting of 3 exercises (Jumping Jack, Squat Jump, High Knee Raise) was applied, and the same 4 scenarios were repeated. The fatigue protocol was applied with 1-minute rest between each scenario, and heart rate was monitored using a Polar chest strap. Additionally, all participants performed an adaptation session before the start of the study. With the adaptation session included, participants applied the Sensiball VR training method a total of 3 times. According to the study findings, a decrease in successful hits, an increase in unsuccessful hits, a significant increase in heart rate, and no significant change in reaction time were observed in the post-fatigue condition for each scenario (p <0.001). When performance was examined, the fatigue protocol significantly decreased performance in all scenarios (p <0.001). As a result, with the advancement of technology in football, more effective and easily applicable training methods have emerged. The results suggest that incorporating off-field and cognitive VR training in football would be beneficial. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Fatigue Effect, Heart Rate, Footbal