Effects of a 3D Multiple Object Tracking-Based Training Program on Decision-Making Ability in Collegiate Soccer Players

This study aimed to develop a 3D multiple object tracking training program and to examine its impact on college soccer players' decision-making performance. A total of 30 male soccer players enrolled in the korea soccer association were randomly assigned 15 players in the training group and 15 players in the control group. The training group participated in an 18-session 3D multiple object tracking training program conducted three times per week over six weeks, while the control group did not receive any training. To evaluate training effectiveness, a soccer-specific decision-making task was developed using PsychoPy software. Reaction time was measured in seconds from the onset of the paused screen to the participant’s keypress response. Decision-making accuracy was calculated based on the number of correct responses across ten test trials and converted into a percentage score. A two-way mixed analysis of variance was conducted to examine the effects of group and time. The results revealed that the training group showed a statistically significant improvement in decision-making accuracy and a reduction in reaction time compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of 3D multiple object tracking training in enhancing cognitive performance under perceptual load similar to real-game situations. These findings suggest that 3D multiple object tracking-based cognitive training is an effective method for improving the decision-making ability of collegiate soccer players and may serve as a foundational model for future applications across different sports and age groups.