Authors: Elena-Andreea Trandafirescu1, Mihai Ilie2, Vladimir Potop1,2,3
Affiliation
1 Doctoral School of Sport Science and Physical Education, National University of Science and
Technology Politehnica Bucharest, University Center Pitești, Romania
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport, National University of Science and Technology
Politehnica Bucharest, University Center Pitești, Romania
3 State University of Physical Education and Sport, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Abstract
Background. In women’s soccer, performance may be influenced by factors such as auditory and visual abilities, which can be crucial for decision-making, ball tracking, and responding to opponents’ movements on the field.
Aims. This study aimed to explore the response speed to acoustic and visual stimuli among female soccer players across various playing roles.
Methods. The research involved 49 female soccer players, including goalkeepers, defenders, strikers, and midfielders, with a mean age of 13.73 years. The Reaction Test from the OptoJump Next system was used to assess participants’ reaction times.
Results. The data analysis reveals that female soccer players exhibit a generally more rapid response to visual stimuli in comparison to acoustic stimuli. Furthermore, reaction times are marginally superior when utilizing the right foot as opposed to the left foot. Additionally, the analysis underscores that playing position exerts a significant influence on reaction times, whereas stimulus type and leg preference do not. Notably, the effect of playing position on reaction times is consistently observed across various stimulus types.
Conclusions. The study reveals that female soccer players, with a mean age of 13.73 years, show differences in their visual performance and acoustic reaction time, with a faster visual reaction in the right foot. These findings could inform decision-making within football organizations, potentially aiding in the development of targeted player profiles for women’s soccer.
Keywords: Women’s Soccer, Female Football, Response Time, Visual Stimuli, Auditory Stimuli, Lower Limb
