Abstract - The Effect of NeuroTracker Training on Attention and Decision-Making Speed in Amateur Youth Boxers
Background. Cognitive abilities such as attention and decision-making are critical components of performance in combat sports like boxing. NeuroTracker training has been proposed as a method to enhance these skills in athletes.
Problem and aim. This study aimed to examine whether an eight-week NeuroTracker training program could improve attention and decision-making speed in youth amateur boxers.
Material and methods. Twenty participants aged 15–18 years were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in NeuroTracker sessions lasting 15 minutes, three times per week, for eight weeks. Attention was assessed using Speed Threshold Scores, and decision-making speed was evaluated via the Witty SEM system. Measurements were conducted at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. Data analysis employed repeated measures ANOVA.
Results. Significant improvements in attention were observed in the experimental group after 4 weeks (M = 1.56, SD = 0.21) and 8 weeks (M = 1.78, SD = 0.12) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in decision-making speed were identified between groups over time (p > 0.05).
Conclusions. NeuroTracker training effectively enhanced attention among youth amateur boxers within an eightweek period. Nevertheless, its influence on decision-making speed was inconclusive, suggesting the need for longer interventions or additional sport-specific cognitive training to achieve broader improvements.