Alternating Attention and Physical Fitness in Relation to the Level of Combat Training

Changes in concentration performance and alternating attention after short-term virtual reality training in E-athletes: a pilot study

In the dynamic landscape of e-sports, where intense competitive gaming demands high cognitive abilities, concentration performance and alternating attention play a pivotal role. E-sports encompass diverse genres, each requiring specific cognitive functions. Maintaining unwavering focus is crucial, as split-second decisions can determine victory. The study explores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) training to enhance concentration performance and alternating attention, shedding light on the importance and possibilities of optimizing cognitive abilities for e-athletes. VR training emerges as a promising intervention, offering immersive environments for cognitive exercises. The study investigates the impact of VR training on concentration performance and alternating attention in amateur e-athletes, utilizing standardized tests. A randomized controlled trial with 66 participants reveals significant improvements in the VR training group, highlighting the adaptability and plasticity of cognitive processes. The findings suggest that VR training can enhance concentration abilities, providing valuable insights for e-sports and potentially extending to other fields requiring sustained attention and rapid task-switching. The study underscores the convergence of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and VR technology, paving the way for innovative training methodologies and advancements in e-sports performance.

Factors Influencing the Executive Functions of Male and Female Cadets

Executive functions (EFs) are related to human abilities that allow individuals to achieve planned goals, contribute to creativity and the analysis of new ideas, and allow for adaptation to new situations in daily life. Thorough analyses of the factors affecting EFs can aid in the development of appropriate training programs for various social and professional groups, including the military. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the EFs of cadets (18 women and 108 men) studying at a military academy in Poland after the first and second terms of military training, and to investigate gender differences in the level of EFs, shooting performance (SP), and components of physical fitness (PF). The Neuropsychological Color Trails Test (CTT-2) was used to determine some of the EFs of the test subjects. Meanwhile, the level of SP was represented by the score achieved during marksmanship training implemented during military training. Assessment of the subjects' PF was guided by the principles of the Health-Related Fitness assessment concept, i.e., health-related fitness. Differences between men and women in specific variables were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples, whilst the relationship between variables was analyzed using the best subset regression method. The results revealed that cadets' EFs were influenced by their SP and their level of strength. However, there were no significant differences between male and female cadets in the levels of EFs or SP.

Executive Function Level in Cadets’ Shooting Performance

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to a person’s unique abilities, enabling one to achieve goals, adapt to new situations and manage social interactions. EF are also very important for the effective performance of military tasks including the shooting performance (SP) of soldiers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EF with SP and gender differences in the level of these traits among cadets of the General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw i.e., 156 persons (19 females and 137 males). The level of EF and processes related to attention was measured with usage of the Color Trails Test (CTT-1 and CTT-2). SP was assessed on the basis of scores from four different small arms and rifle shootings at a fixed target and at emerging targets. The relations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Spearman correlation. The variation in the mean values of CTT scores and SP of men and women was compared using the Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples. The results of the present study did not reveal any significant differences between women and men in the level of EF and SP. The key finding of the present study is that the higher SP of males in all shooting events of the study and of females in pistol shooting were significantly correlated with higher executive functions.