Effect of Improper Soccer Heading on Serial Reaction Time Task Performance

摘要

Using the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT), which measures implicit learning, the present experiment investigated the consequences of sub-concussive impacts in soccer from trained and untrained heading techniques. Fifty-one participants were (n = 25) or were not (n = 26) given training in proper heading after which they were tested on a head-ball task. The SRTT was administered before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the training and testing. There was some evidence of implicit learning on the pre-test, and clear evidence of continued implicit learning on the post-test. Most importantly, improper heading did not disrupt test performance. Strengths and weaknesses of the present experiment are presented and suggestions are made for future research.