Use of Brain Endurance Training to Tackle Mental Fatigue and Optimize Performance in Football Players

Mental fatigue can impair performance in sport. Brain Endurance Training (BET) has been proposed as a solution. Our recent study (Staiano et al., 2022, IJSPP), showed that 4-weeks of post Brain Endurance Training – comprising mentally-fatiguing cognitive tasks after standard exercise training – improved subsequent running and decision-making in professional football players compared to standard exercise only training. In sum, after Brain Endurance Training our players perceived the exercise to be easier (i.e., less effortful) and they performed better in terms of physical, cognitive and multi-tasking skills. We now want to extend this research to create a suite of BET protocols for use by team sport athletes, including football players, in order to optimize performance in elite sport. In sum, the project aims to devlop and evaluate the benefits of various new training modes and plans that we can create using a commercially-available brain endurance training app.

The project will involve collaboration with a technology company (SSWITCH.CH) that has developed apps (e.g., SOMA-NPT) for athletes.

A background in Sport Science is required for this project.

Please contact Prof Ring ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss this exciting project.