Explanatory Power Of Choice Reaction After Physical Exertion In National Team Soccer Players

BACKGROUND: This research focused on differences in reaction time performance prior to and immediately after an incremental exhaustive treadmill-running task of female and male youth national team players. Physical exertion was expected to be a stressor that would evoke different ways of coping with a subsequent choice reaction task. The data were collected in a regularly held comprehensive assessment center. The explanatory power of this measurement was examined in terms of playing position effects and prognostic validity. Additionally, adolescent's variability in reaction performance was investigated regarding success at senior level.METHODS: Multiple choice reaction performance was recorded prior to and immediately after an incremental exhaustive treadmill-running test.RESULTS: Choice reaction performance discriminated between playing positions but failed to be an early predictor of future playing success. In comparison to not drafted players, senior female national team soccer players showed comparable fluctuations and no superiority during adolescence.CONCLUSIONS: The position-specific effects are discussed in the view of the cognitive skills approach. It is concluded that choice reaction performance is more useful for identifying factors that hinder or support the developing soccer player, than as a tool for eliminating players in the selection process.