Attentional processing in athletes and non-athletes

Abstract

Background: Focused attention is crucial for skilled performance, and athletic participation may influence attentional processing. Purpose: This study examined differences in sustained attention and visual search between Division II college student-athletes and non-athlete students. Methods: Baseline data from 59 participants (30 athletes, 29 non-athletes) were analyzed. Participants completed computerized tasks assessing sustained attention (go/no-go) and visual search. Between- and mixed-subjects ANCOVAs were conducted, controlling for age. Results: Athletes outperformed non-athletes in sustained attention (F (1, 56) = 8.12, p =.006, Cohen’s d = 0.78) and visual search (F (1, 56) = 34.43, p