How Can We Measure Athletes’ Cognitive Performance? The Answer Might Be in VR-Based Testing
In recent years, running clubs, cycling groups, and triathlon teams have become an incredible source of social connection, especially in big cities. Many people join these communities just to socialize, but from what I’ve seen, regular participation in such sports activities contributes significantly to work performance, focus, and decision-making skills. I wanted to explore this topic from a more scientific angle because a recent study we conducted revealed some fascinating insights. In endurance sports like triathlon, mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness. It's not just about muscles—it’s about the mind too. During a race, athletes must make multiple decisions simultaneously: pacing, nutrition strategy, environmental awareness, keeping track of rankings… This is where working memory, a crucial cognitive capacity, comes into play. As a sports scientist, I wanted to find a way to evaluate this skill more objectively and under conditions that reflect real-life d...