Author(s): WU, K., HOEKSTRA, S.1,3, ANG, M.J.2, Institution: ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED STATES, Abstract-ID: 593

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive inhibition and emotional regulation are critical for elite soccer performance but degrade with seasonal fatigue [1]. The Neurovisceral Integration Model [2] suggests autonomic regulation supports prefrontal function. Breathwork enhances autonomic regulation, yet its impact on youth athletes during the season remains untested. This study examined a 12-week breathwork and visualization protocol on inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, and emotion regulation in adolescent soccer players.

METHODS: Nineteen academy athletes (Intervention [INT]: U16 females, n=8, 14.8+/-0.6 yrs; Waitlist [CON]: U19 males, n=11, 17.1+/-0.4 yrs) were analyzed. INT completed a 12-week live-streamed protocol (3x/week); CON continued standard training. Assessments included a Stroop task (inhibition), Task-Switching (flexibility), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), State Mindfulness Scale, and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVAs.

RESULTS: A Group x Time interaction for inhibitory control (F(1,17)=5.13, p=0.040) showed INT improved efficiency (Delta=-10.6+/-20.4ms) vs CON decline (Delta=+29.3+/-53.3ms). No interaction appeared for cognitive flexibility; both groups showed increased switch costs (INT +67.1+/-77.0ms vs CON +26.3+/-77.8ms), reflecting fatigue [1]. Breathwork acutely increased state mindfulness. Longitudinally, a trait mindfulness interaction (F(1,19)=10.12, p=0.005) showed INT increases (Delta=+0.57+/-0.33) vs CON stability (Delta=+0.13+/-0.31). INT reduced maladaptive suppression (Delta=-0.28+/-0.87) vs CON increase (Delta=+0.32+/-1.30).

CONCLUSION: The intervention mitigated seasonal declines in inhibitory control and mindfulness. Acute state mindfulness increases may drive neuroplasticity [3]. While cognitive flexibility was not preserved, maintained inhibitory efficiency aligns with the Neurovisceral Integration Model, suggesting respiratory practice supports prefrontal circuits [4]. Psychophysiological training may protect youth athletes against seasonal cognitive/emotional degradation.

References
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2. Russell S, Jenkins DG, Halson SL, Juliff LE, Connick MJ, Kelly VG. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022;17:160-169.
3. Tang YY, Ma Y, Wang J, Fan Y, Feng S, Lu Q, Yu Q, Sui D, Rothbart MK, Fan M, Posner MI. PNAS 2007;104:17152-17156.
4. Forte G, Favieri F, Casagrande M. Front Neurosci 2019;13:710.