The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Training on Cognitive Flexibility Indicators in Professional Football Players

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Sport Psychology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish، Iran

2 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality–based cognitive training on decision-making and psycho-cognitive flexibility in professional football players. The study sought to answer a fundamental question: Does virtual reality–based cognitive training influence the indicators of cognitive flexibility in professional football players?
Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of professional football players, from whom a sample was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in virtual reality–based cognitive training sessions for several weeks, while the control group continued their regular training routines. Cognitive flexibility was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: The results showed that after the implementation of the virtual reality–based cognitive training program, a significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in the indicators of cognitive flexibility. Specifically, the number of perseverative errors and total errors decreased in the experimental group, and the players’ cognitive performance improved in the posttest compared with the pretest, while no significant change was observed in the control group.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that virtual reality–based cognitive training can be used as a complementary tool in professional football training programs. By strengthening the brain’s executive functions, this approach may help improve players’ cognitive flexibility and decision-making in the dynamic conditions of competition.

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 May 2026
  • Revise Date: 31 July 2026
  • Accept Date: 04 August 2026
  • Publish Date: 23 September 2026

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