Effects of an Ecological-Dynamic Training Protocol Integrating Football eSports on Reactivity in Young Footballers: a comparative study

Background of the study: In recent years, football eSports have gained an increasingly relevant role in educational and youth sport contexts due to their ability to combine learning and entertainment. However, despite the numerous scientific evidence supporting the cognitive benefits of video games, the literature is still lacking studies assessing the impact of the integration of eSport and training on psychophysical performance on the pitch. Objective: This study aims to explore the link between the physical effects of two different training protocols, specifically cognitive and ecological-dynamic approaches, and the latter combines the use of football eSports in educational processes and the development of reactivity. Methodology: This study employed a controlled, pre-post experimental design with two parallel groups. The sample consisted of 62 athletes (Mean age=13.85 years, SD= 1.21, age range= 12-16 years) and was divided into a control and an experimental group. The control group followed technical-analytical training, while the experimental group participated in combined sessions, including both small-sided games with high cognitive load and simulated matches with EA Sports FC 25. Reactivity was assessed by means of the FIFA 360° test with BlazePod, administered at three moments (pre, mid, post). Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in reaction time (from 709.10 ms to 683.55 ms), with a significant time-group interaction (F = 31.687, p .001). The protocol showed a significant main effect of time (F = 168.599, p .001), suggesting enhanced reactivity. Post-hoc analyses confirmed significant differences between all-time points (p .001). Conclusions: The integration of football eSports into a structured and contextualised programme is a promising strategy for the development of decision-making skills in young athletes. Further studies could verify the long-term effectiveness of such protocols and their applicability in other sports contexts.