Physiological arousal and visual search behavior under intensity exercise demands in elite and non-elite soccer players

Authors

Bach Padilha Maickel

Abstract

We examined the physiological arousal and visual search strategy under different intensities with soccer players. Sixteen soccer players (n=16) completed a soccer-specific, intermittent exercise protocol that simulated the demands of a match while watching to filmed sequences of offensive play. Ten different offensive sequences were created. The protocol was used to record visual search behaviours. Main effects in Group for heart rate and lactate were observed. In addition, analyses of differences in the intensity level for heart rate showed that elite players presented lower values of heart rate and lactate in low intensity than non-elite players. Both groups increased the heart rate and lactate values from low- to high-intensity. Regarding low-intensity level, elite players showed significantly less time to set the ball and player in ball possession. In contrast, elite players spent more time setting the opposition when compared to non-elite players. Also, at high intensity, elite players exhibited less time spent fixing the ball than non-elite players. Elite players showed better responses at different intensities when verified heart rate and blood lactate arousal. Moreover, elite players’ performance comes from the alternation and adaptability of their perceptual-cognitive skills according to the different demands of exercise intensity.

Keywords

visual search strategy, physiological arousal, soccer

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References

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