Association of cognition and its impact on physical performance in female football players with a history of concussion: a cross-sectional study

Background: Cognitive skills are important in athletics, especially in football, because quick thinking, teamwork and fast reaction times are key. Concussions have different results for female athletes than for males which can result in changes in both cognitive and physical performance. Yet, there is not much information available on cognition and performance link in female football players who have had concussions. Objective: To determine the association between cognitive function and physical performance in female football players with a history of concussion. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included n=84 female football players aged 14–25 years. Verbal Cognition Test (VCT) for executive function, Delayed Word Recall (DWR) for working memory, Digit Backward (DB) for memory and Attention and Month in Reverse Order (MRO) for executive function were used to test cognitive function. Physical performance assessments included the Vertical Jump, Run Three, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Tests (both right and left legs). The study used a multiple regression analysis while controlling for age, BMI, amount and timing of play, number of headings during games, collisions and temporary loss of consciousness. Result: The results show that having lesser VCT and MRO leads to poorer results in the 3-HOP Right Leg test (p<0.05). Practicing high-heading skills allowed athletes to complete Run Three faster (p=0.043). Nearly significant findings indicated that concussion history did play a moderating role in the results (p=0.079). For Vertical Jump, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Left Leg tests, no significant relationships were discovered. Conclusion: The performance of female football players in lower-body power and agility is affected by cognitive functions, especially by verbal skills and reaction time.