The role of football video games in boosting cognitive abilities critical to football performance

Authors

  • Sanjaykumar Swamynathan SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9945-2223
  • Baby Salini Department of Physical Education, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala, India
  • Karthikeyan Udaichi SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India
  • Ponnusamy Yoga Lakshmi SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India
  • Yuliya Kalmykova Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
  • Joseph Lobo College of Sports Exercise and Recreation, Bulacan State University, Bulacan, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2553-467X
  • Edi Setiawan Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Universitas Suryakancana, Cianjur, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v62.109761

Keywords:

Football, cognitive skills, video games, training, mixed-design

Abstract

Background and Aim: Football requires rapid decision-making and quick reaction times, crucial cognitive abilities that traditionally develop through physical training. This study explores whether football video games, which simulate real game scenarios, can enhance these cognitive abilities among college-level male football players. Materials and Methods: The study involved 51 football players from SRM Group of Institutions, divided into three groups: regular video game players (Group A), occasional players (Group B), and non-players (Group C). A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative cognitive abilities tests (decision-making, reaction time, situational awareness). The video game used in the study was eFootball 2024 with participants engaging in gameplay over a period of 6 weeks. Tests were conducted before and after a set period of video game engagement. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Significant improvements were observed in Group A across all cognitive abilities tested. Decision-making showed notable group and time effects (F (2, 48) = 5.76, p = 0.005, η² = 0.17; F (1, 48) = 12.54, p < 0.001, η² = 0.25), with interaction effects indicating substantial enhancements over time (F (2, 48) = 3.45, p = 0.035, η² = 0.08). Reaction time and situational awareness followed similar patterns, with significant group, time, and interaction effects. Correlation analysis revealed strong interrelations between the cognitive abilities, indicating that improvements in one area positively influenced others. Conclusion: Regular engagement with football video games significantly enhances cognitive abilities essential for football performance. These findings suggest that integrating video games into training programs could complement traditional methods, offering a valuable tool for cognitive development in sports.

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Published

01-01-2025

Issue

Vol. 62 (2025)

Section

Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sanjaykumar Swamynathan, Baby Salini, Karthikeyan Udaichi, Ponnusamy Yoga Lakshmi , Yuliya Kalmykova, Joseph Lobo, Edi Setiawan

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How to Cite

Swamynathan, S. ., Salini, B. ., Udaichi, K. ., Yoga Lakshmi , P. ., Kalmykova, Y., Lobo, J. ., & Setiawan, E. . (2025). The role of football video games in boosting cognitive abilities critical to football performance. Retos, 62, 802-806. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v62.109761