Vienna Test System measures failed to predict goal and passing efficiency during international water polo matches in world-class-level youth water polo players

The main objective of this study was to determine whether Vienna Test System measures can reflect water polo players' offensive game performance. Thirty-six young male water polo players were divided into players selected for the youth national team (n=21) and players not selected (n=15). Composite scores were formed from the cognitive variables, and match performance indicators comprised goal and passing efficiency. No significant associations were observed between the composite scores and efficiency indicators; moreover, the composite scores failed to predict goal and passing efficiency in the multiple regression analyses. We did not find significant differences between the selected and nonselected groups, with the exception of mean reaction time in favour of the nonselected group (p<0.05). Vienna Test System did not reflect water polo game performance, therefore future researchers should consider the development and validation of sport-specific neuropsychological laboratory tests to obtain more relevant information about water polo players' perceptual-cognitive skills.