The impact of psycho-physical training in esports on reaction time and decision-making in competitive athletes

This study analyzed the impact of a cognitive-motor training program on key indicators of cognitive performance.

A two-arm, parallel, randomised controlled trial (with 1:1 allocation) was conducted. A total of 184 competitive eSports athletes (aged 18-25) were randomly assigned to one of two programmes: an individualised psychophysical training programme integrating aerobic exercise and cognitive self-regulation techniques, or a standard eSports training programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks (mid-intervention) and after 8 weeks (post-intervention). Reaction time and decision-making efficiency were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention using a computerized reaction-time battery and an adapted Iowa Gambling Task. Data analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and moderation analyses. The primary endpoint was defined as the change in the outcome variable from baseline to post-intervention.

The individualized psycho-physical program was associated with greater improvements in reaction time and decision-making indicators compared to standard training, with small-to-moderate effect sizes (η² = 0.08-0.12). Significant Time × Group interactions indicated steeper and more stable performance gains in the experimental group. Age and gender exerted small but significant moderating effects; younger participants and female athletes showing greater responsiveness on selected outcomes.

Integrating aerobic exercise and cognitive self-regulation was associated with improvements in attentional efficiency and decision-making stability under controlled conditions. These findings suggest that individualised psychophysical training could be useful in environments with a high cognitive load. However, further confirmatory trials are required.

Not prospectively registered.