Abstract
Cognitive inhibition and flexibility are essential for soccer performance, enabling players to adapt to dynamic environments. However, accumulated season fatigue often degrades these executive functions. The Neurovisceral Integration Model posits that prefrontal cognitive function is linked to cardiac vagal tone, suggesting that autonomic regulation may support inhibitory control. While breathwork is known to enhance autonomic regulation, its potential to preserve cognitive function in youth athletes is untested. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of a 12-week breathwork and visualization protocol on inhibitory control (Stroop) and cognitive flexibility (Task-Switching) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Athletes were recruited from Soccer Central San Antonio. To ensure the internal validity, performance validity criteria were applied; participants falling to demonstrate task comprehension (≥70% practice accuracy) or engagement (chance-level accuracy) were excluded. The final sample (N=19) consisted of an Intervention group of U16 females (n=8; age 14.8±0.6 yrs) who completed a 12-week live-streamed breathing and visualization protocol (3 sessions/week) delivered in a coach-supervised classroom, and a Waitlist Control group of U19 males (n=11; age 17.1±0.4 yrs) who continued standard training. A 2x2 mixed ANOVA assessed effects on reaction time and accuracy. RESULTS: For inhibitory control, a significant Group × Time interaction was found for the Stroop Effect (F(1, 17) = 5.13, p = 0.040, ηp² = 0.23). The Intervention group improved inhibitory efficiency (ΔM = -10.6 ms), whereas the Waitlist group declined (ΔM = +29.3 ms). For Task Switching, no significant interaction was found (F(1, 20) = 1.55, p = 0.227); both groups exhibited increased switch costs at post-test (Intervention ΔM = +67.1 ms vs. Waitlist ΔM = +26.3 ms), reflecting the accumulation of mental fatigue typical of the mid-to-late season. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week breathwork intervention successfully mitigated the decline in inhibitory control associated with season fatigue in U16 female athletes. While cognitive flexibility was not preserved, the maintenance of inhibitory efficiency aligns with the Neurovisceral Integration Model, suggesting that respiratory practice supports the prefrontal-subcortical circuits required for cognitive maintenance.
Recommended Citation
Hein, Louis; Nicolet, Jace; Gomez, Tiffany; Ang, Mei-Jing; Hoekstra, Sven; and Wu, Kelvin C.
(2026)
"The Effect of A 12-Week Breathwork and Visualization Intervention on Inhibitory Control and Cognitive Flexibility in Adolescent Soccer Players,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 37.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/37
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Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons