Effects of fitlight training on cognitive-motor processes in open skill sports

Background: Executive functions (EFs) are a family of cognitive processes that include inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility. Physical activity and sports practice have been identified as activities that could improve EFs. The relation between EFs and motor training still raises many unanswered research questions. Future studies should investigate which EFs are improved by a particular cognitive-motor training (CMT). Aims: This thesis aimed to verify if a massed CMT using Fitlight induces improvements in EFs and physical fitness in young open-skill athletes compared to a non-intervention group. This thesis is composed of two different studies. The aims of study 1 were to verify if the Fitlight training system could: 1) improve young basketball athletes’ EFs and motor performance; 2) induce changes on the rate of perceived effort and enjoyment of training in the experimental group compared to a non-intervention group. The aims of study 2 were to determine if a 5-week CMT program using Fitlight, in the experimental group than non-intervention group: 1) improved EFs in young adults élite judo athletes; 2) had an impact on BDNF and IgA levels; 3) changed physical fitness; 4) changed enjoyment of training; 5) induced greater fatigue; 6) induced changes in psychobiosocial states; 7) was related to athletes’ performance in competition. Methods: In the study 1, 49 male basketball players (age = 15.0 ± 1.5 yrs) were assigned to the control and Fitlight-trained (FITL) groups, which performed 3 weeks of massed basketball practice, including 25 min per day of shooting sessions or Fitlight training, respectively. Anthropometric parameters, fitness tests and cognitive tasks were assessed. In the study 2, 27 élite judo athletes (14 males and 13 females; age = 19.5 ± 2.0 years) were assigned to the Fitlight (FG) and control (CG) groups which performed 5 weeks of CMT, including 25 min per day of Fitlight training or traditional judo training, respectively. Anthropometric parameters, fitness tests and cognitive tasks were assessed. In addition, BDNF was collected by saliva sampling and competitive results after the intervention period were considered. Results: Study 1: RM-ANOVA showed significant EFs scores increased in both groups over time, without differences between the groups. Moreover, an increased sRPE and eRPE appeared in the FITL group (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01), with no group differences in activity enjoyment and fitness tests. Study 2: RM-ANOVA showed significant differences in FG for the accuracy of flanker (p=0.028) and backward digit span (p<0.001). Moreover, significant differences in FG were found for relative dynamic chin up (p=0.027) and counter movement jump (p=0.05). In addition, a significant difference in FG was found for competitive results after the intervention period (p<0.01). No significant differences were found for BDNF and other cognitive and fitness measures (p>0.05). Conclusions: The first study reported that three weeks of massed basketball training improved EFs and motor performance in young players. The additional Fitlight training increased the perceived cognitive effort without decreasing enjoyment, even if it seems unable to induce additional improvements in EFs. The second study is the first that investigated cognitive-motor training using Fitlight™ in judo. Results showed that a 5-week judo-specific CMT improved EFs and motor performance in élite judo athletes. The additional Fitlight training increased the enjoyment without decreasing perceived effort. Finally, regarding competitive results obtained by FG athletes after the end of the intervention, it was observed a significant difference in terms of won matches.