Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Cognitive-Motor Training on In-Game Performance, Cognitive Functions, and Physiological Outcomes in Professional League of Legends and Valorant Players

Background: Esports performance relies on in-game, cognitive, and physiological capacities. Its growing professionalization has led to increasing interest in structured out-of-game training interventions as part of performance-support strategies for elite players. However, their effects in world-class professional players remain unexplored. This study examined the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cognitive-motor training (CMT) on in-game performance, executive functions, and cardiovascular outcomes across a competitive season in professional League of Legends and Valorant players. Results: In-game performance remained stable despite increasing competitive demands, with only a 0.87% change in mean performance score in the full sample ( p = .667; d  = 0.14), suggesting a maintenance effect. Executive functions improved significantly, with mean reaction time decreasing by 10.42% ( p = .002; d  = 1.37), and larger individual benefits were generally observed following HIIT. Cardiovascular outcomes (heart rate variability) showed favorable individual trends. Substantial interindividual variability was observed across outcomes, highlighting game- and role-specific responses to the interventions. Conclusions: Structured HIIT and CMT might help support performance durability in elite League of Legends and Valorant players during a competitive season. HIIT appeared to provide more consistent benefits for executive processing speed, whereas both interventions seemed to be associated with individualized physiological adaptations. These findings support the need for individualized and context-sensitive training strategies in professional esports.