Influence of Unspecific Visual–Perceptual–Cognitive Task Constraints on Jump Ability and Reactive Strength in Federated Soccer Players

Abstract

Soccer players must react quickly and execute complex mental processes to adapt to competitive scenarios while maintaining peak physical performance. Perceptual–cognitive training methods integrate reaction tasks using nonspecific visual stimuli with game-like motor actions, but the impact on explosive strength responses is unclear. This study investigates the effect of nonspecific visual stimuli with varying perceptual–cognitive constraints on jump performance, including countermovement jump height, reactive strength index modified, action time, and reaction time. A total of 299 soccer players were randomly assigned to four groups to assess the impact of different perceptual–cognitive tasks on countermovement jump performance. The results showed a significant reduction in jump height in all groups, with the most pronounced effect in the divided/attention simple reaction time task group (Δ height = −4.74 cm; p < 0.001). Action time was significantly shorter in all experimental jumps compared with controls (p < 0.001), and the reactive strength index modified increased across perceptual–cognitive tasks (p < 0.001) except in the divided/attention simple reaction time (p = 0.593). Reaction time increased in all groups, with the highest in the complex elective reaction time task (487.32 ± 153.75 ms; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that nonspecific visual stimuli negatively affect countermovement jump performance, highlighting the importance of analyzing sport-specific perceptual–cognitive demands in the development of efficient training programs.