Analysis of physical characteristics and their relationship with cognitive function in semi-professional female soccer players. A case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.2.2025.22452Keywords:
football, female soccer, knowledge, attitudes, practices, aerobic physical activityAbstract
The aim of this study was to identify relationships between body composition and physical performance measures with cognitive responses assessed through the D2 attention test. Ten semiprofessional women players from South of Spain participated in the study. Data was collected prior to training sessions, starting with body composition assessments, followed by the D2 test, and finally, the physical performance tests. The results showed that defenders presented a higher percentage of body fat compared to midfielders, and even more so compared to forwards. They also obtained poorer results in the 3-m sprint and in the concentration index (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between body fat percentage and the variation index (r = 0.737), as well as between RSA decrement and both the total number of processed characters and the concentration index from the D2 test (r = -0.704 / -0.694). In conclusion, female soccer players are exposed to repeated efforts at varying intensities; therefore, a higher body fat percentage negatively influences sports performance, which explains why defenders and goalkeepers tend to show poorer physical and cognitive results compared to other positions. Moreover, lower physical performance is associated with reduced attentional outcomes. These findings suggest that maintaining an optimal body mass index and body fat percentage compatible with higher physical and cognitive performance may improve competitive outcomes.
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