Effects of Fitlight training on cognitive-motor performance in élite judo athletes

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-04, Vol.10 (7), p.e28712-e28712, Article e28712
• Main Authors: Campanella, M., Cardinali, L., Ferrari, D., Migliaccio, S., Silvestri, F., Falcioni, L., Bimonte, V.M., Curzi, D., Bertollo, M., Bovolon, L., Gallotta, M.C., Guidetti, L., Baldari, C., Bonavolontà, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BDNF; Combat sports; Executive functions; High-level training
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28712

The aims of this study were to verify if a 5-week cognitive-motor training (CMT) using FitlightsTM induced changes in young adult judo athletes compared to a non-intervention group. Specifically, it was verified if CMT influenced executive functions (EFs), physical fitness and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Additionally, athletes’ competitive results were compared between groups. Twenty-seven athletes (14 males and 13 females; age = 19.5 ± 2.0 years) were assigned to the Fitlight (FG) and control (CG) groups which performed 5 weeks of CMT, respectively, including 25 min per day of Fitlight training or traditional judo practice. All participants performed cognitive (flanker task and forward/backward digit span) and fitness tests (counter movement jump, handgrip test, dynamic and isometric chin up). In addition, BDNF was collected by saliva sampling and competitive results after the intervention period were considered. RM-ANOVA showed significant differences in FG for the accuracy of flanker (p = 0.028) and backward digit span (p