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ASSESSMENT OF BRAIN FUNCTION AND SOCCER PENALTY KICK PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGIATE SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research study is to assess National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s soccer players brain function while taking penalty kicks wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) band and a heart rate monitor. An EEG is a device used to assess brain activity and will record four types of brain wave activities: alpha, beta, theta, and delta. Heart rate data provides additional insight during strenuous activity. Minimal research exists on EEG and soccer penalty kicks, but multiple published studies discuss high activity in the beta wave along with a low heart rate indicating a focused but relaxed state. METHDS: NCAA Division II soccer players included in this study will use the EEG device and heart rate monitor before testing begins. Measuring the heart rate provides further insight into stress the player is experiencing during the penalty kick. Each penalty kick will be from the same distance throughout the experiment, but the shot location and order in where the participants kick will be randomized. Each participant will take approximately 5-10 repetitions to each shot location. Data from the EEG are stored in the Wave Recorder app and the heart rate data will be stored in the E4 Realtime app. Data will be analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Results from this study will reveal beta waves as the most prominent during assessment, as they are incorporated in problem solving or performing mentally challenging tasks. Gamma waves may also be prominent during cognitive function and heart rate data will reveal relaxed athletes prior to the penalty shot. Additionally, some correlation may exist between experienced players versus less experienced taking players.

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