MSc by Research Student

Course Start: October 2019

Supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Aldous
Supervisor 2: Dr Louise Ferrandino

Working thesis title

The differences in cognitive function during soccer simulation in the heat.

Abstract

A soccer game is considered a prolonged, high speed, intermittent sport which requires players to take part in two 45 minutes halves that are separated by a 15 min interval, also known as half time (Stolen et al., 2005). When considering this elite sporting events including the up and coming Qatar 2022 FIFA World cup will take place in both hot and/or humid environments. Where temperatures will reach up to and exceed 30 degrees centigrade (°C) and 50% relative humidity (rH) (Girard et al., 2015). Originally the Qatar 2022 FIFA world cup was set to take place in the summer months where temperatures can rise to up to between 42 and 50°C, which comes with potential major health risks. Therefore, the Qatar 2022 FIFA world cup has now been moved to the winter months. Despite this move, winter months in Qatar can still reach temperatures of at least 26°C and above (Sison, 2018). It is well recognised that these hot environments have a negative impact on sports performance (Stevens et al., 2016) including intermittent exercise performance (Bishop & Maxwell, 2009). Hot environments cause increased stress on thermoregulatory, metabolic and cardiovascular systems causing decrements in physical performance and cognitive function which are both vital during a soccer game (Bandelow et al., 2010).

Cognitive function refers to the use of a person’s conscious mental effort for the completion of objective tasks (Lamport et al., 2014), which is particularly important when considering soccer match play. Cognitive function may be altered by a variety of factors including; severity of heat exposure, the complexity of cognitive tasks being performed, the experience of the participants, hydration status, and study design (Taylor et al., 2016). Cognitive decline in the heat may also be attributed to a reduction in thermal comfort (Gaoua et al., 2012) and changes in regional brain flow (Qian et al., 2013).

Studies such as by Taylor et al. (2014) assessed cognitive function in hot (30°C and 40% rH), cold (-5°C and 40% rH) and temperate (18°C and 40% rH) condition on soccer referees, however finding no significant differences. Previous research has also tested the effects of heat on cognitive function during football match play (Bandelow et al., 2010) in a field setting assessing the use of cooling methods, however having no temperate environment to compare to and state the cognitive decline that occurs between these two environments. Research in the area of cognitive function and hot environments is limited with minimal published research on the changes in cognitive function during soccer match play in a hot environment leaving areas for research to be conducted.

Research question: How is cognitive function affected in the heat during a soccer simulation and where do these decrements occur?

About Me

I graduated from University of Bedfordshire in July 2018 with a degree in Health, Nutrition and Exercise (BSc), also during this period I gained my Level 2 and 3 Personal Trainer and GP referral qualifications along with Associate Nutritionist status. During my degree I particularly enjoyed laboratory work and undertaking my dissertation where I tested the effects of caffeine on female endurance runners in a cold environment. After this I realised that I wanted to carry on researching in the environmental physiology area and decided that a Masters by Research would be the right route for me.

Are you willing for students to get in touch about participating in your study?

Yes

Contact Information

E: emily.bousfield@study.beds.ac.uk
Twitter: @bousfield_emily
LinkedIn: Emily Bousfield