Enhancing cognitive performance and emotional regulation: the impact of a brain break warm-up program on e-sports athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/babqyb50Keywords:
e-sports, brain break warm-up, cognitive performance, mood regulation, executive function, working memoryAbstract
Physical exercise is a fundamental driver of systemic health, playing a critical role in enhancing cognitive performance and emotional regulation by facilitating neural efficiency and mitigating physiological stress. In the high-stakes environment of e-sports, athletes face intense mental fatigue and sedentary behavior that can impair executive function. Objective: This study investigated the impact of a structured "Brain Break Warm-Up Program" on the cognitive and emotional performance of e-sports athletes. Methods: Seventy e-sports players (N=70) from Daffodil International University participated in a pre- and post-test assessment. The study aimed to assess the program’s effects on focus, mood regulation, executive function, and working memory. Seventy e-sports players from Daffodil International University participated in the study, selected through purposive sampling. The program was developed using expert feedback and pilot testing. Cognitive and emotional outcomes were assessed using the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport Thai version (MISt), Thai Athlete Mood Scale (TAMS), Stroop Test, and Digit Span Test. Paired sample t-tests and Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated using SPSS software, with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed significant improvements in refocusing ability (t = 5.12, p = 0.001), and reductions in negative mood states, including depression (t = 3.95, p = 0.002), confusion (t = 5.21, p < .001), fatigue (t = 6.12, p < .001), and anger (t = 4.82, p < .001), with no significant change in vigor (p = 0.570). Executive function improved in the Stroop color-word test (t = 2.75, p = 0.018) and Trail Making Test B (t = 4.85, p < .001), while working memory showed significant gains in both Digit Span Forward (t = 4.10, p < .001) and Backward (t = 3.75, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the Brain Break Warm-Up Program effectively enhances cognitive and emotional performance, supporting its integration into e-sports training. Further studies are recommended to assess its long-term benefits and applicability across various e-sports disciplines.
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