## 4 Discussion
These results suggest that VR-based cognitive and motor training can rapidly enhance performance, butextended durations may not necessarily lead to continued improvements beyond an initial adaptation phase. Moreover, our study adds to the understanding of the durability of VR-based cognitive training effects. We observed that some cognitive improvements persisted 31 days after the completion of the VR training sessions, regardless of the training duration. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it is the first study to examine the long-term impact of VR training on cognitive efficiency in amateur e-athletes. The persistence of cognitive enhancements supports the notion that VR-based cognitive training can induce lasting benefits, aligning with the findings of other studies that have suggested the long-term potential of VR interventions [64]. However, the limited number of studies verifying long-term outcomes indicates a need for further research to confirm these findings and establish the robustness of long-term VR training effects. The durability of cognitive improvements following training is influenced by multiple factors, including the mechanisms of memory consolidation and reinforcement, such as hippocampal activity and prefrontal cortex engagement, which play a crucial role in the retention of trained abilities [65]. Additionally, repeated cognitive engagement strengthens neural pathways, making the acquired skills more resistant to being forgotten. Research indicates that long-term retention is more effective when training includes spaced repetition, real-world application, and multi-domain engagement, as these approaches help integrate cognitive gains into everyday functioning [66]. Without ongoing engagement, neural connections may weaken, leading to gradual skill attrition. Furthermore, some studies suggest that cognitive load during training influences long-term retention, with higher cognitive demands potentially hindering sustained benefits if not well-managed [67]. However, while these mechanisms support sustained cognitive benefits, there is also evidence suggesting that cognitive improvements may plateau over time, limiting the impact of prolonged training. [PERSON] et al. [68] reported that while cognitive training initially produces strong neural effects, these benefits tend to stabilize as participants approach their individual performance ceilings. Similarly, [PERSON] & [PERSON] [69] highlight that learning curves often exhibit rapid initial improvements followed by a period of stagnation, indicating a diminishing return on cognitive gains. This raises the question of whether extending VR training beyond a certain threshold continues to provide meaningful benefits or merely reinforces existing skills. While reinforcement strategies, such as varied task difficulty and targeted challenges, may help counteract this plateau effect, further research is needed to determine the optimal duration and structure of VR-based cognitive training. Understanding these dynamics could inform the design of more effective interventions that maximize cognitive gains while minimizing unnecessary training exposure. Our results indicate that the immersive and engaging aspects of Beat Saber significantly contributed to the cognitive benefits observed, supporting the use of immersive VR games for cognitive training. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [22] utilized a comparable training protocol with young musicians, who participated in five sessions using a commercial VR system. Unlike our findings, their study reported significant improvements in both eye-hand coordination and reaction time for the VR training group compared to the control group, while our study found improvements in RT only in E28 group. This difference might be due to variations in the initial cognitive functions of the participants, as e-athletes are known to have faster reaction times, potentially giving them a cognitive edge [70].