Cognitive Abilities between Soccer and Age-Matched Non Soccer Adolescent Males in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Background: Cognitive function refers to the ability of an individual to understand, take part and work towards his external and internal impulses in his environment. They are responsible for successful performance of most activities of daily living. Cognitive function has been reported to be enhanced by both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Soccer players are required to anticipate and react continuously in a changing, unpredictable situation in the field. This work aims to compare the cognitive functions of soccer and non-soccer adolescent males.

Method: 50 adolescent males (25 soccer and 25 non-soccer athletes) were conveniently selected from government secondary school, Enugu in Nigeria. Their cognitive functions were assessed using two manual test batteries; Trial Making Test (TMT) and Stroop Colour-Word Test (SCWT).

Results: Football players took less time in completion of the TMT, part A and B with a p value of <0.001. For the stroop colour card, word card and colour-word card, the players also completed the task faster than the non-athletes. Commutation of the SCWT showed no significant difference between the athletes and non-athletes.

Conclusion: Optimal participation of players requires better understanding of their environment, they need to have awareness of the position of their team players and react to unexpected movements. Aerobic exercises such as football may have a positive correlation with cognitive function. Soccer games may improve neurocognitive abilities and are recommended for cognitive development in adolescents.