Motor Imagery, Hand Mental Rotation, and Performance in Female Volleyball Players

Motor Imagery Ability, Hand Mental Rotation and Performance Outcomes in Female Volleyball Players: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

This comparative cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between motor imagery (MI) ability, hand mental rotation (HMR), and performance outcomes in female volleyball players. Volleyball is a high-speed, cognitively demanding sport requiring precise motor coordination, rapid decision-making, and explosive movements. MI-the mental simulation of movement-and HMR-the cognitive manipulation of hand orientation-are critical for motor planning and execution. The study has two primary objectives: (1) to compare MI ability and HMR performance between female volleyball players and sedentary controls, and (2) to evaluate associations between MI/HMR scores and reaction time as well as vertical jump performance among volleyball players. The investigators hypothesize that volleyball players will exhibit superior MI and HMR abilities compared to controls, and that higher MI and HMR scores will correlate with faster reaction times and greater vertical jump height. Findings from this study will elucidate the cognitive-motor mechanisms underlying athletic performance and may inform training strategies to enhance neuromotor efficiency in sport-specific contexts.

Inclusion Criteria: Volleyball Group

• Female participants aged 18-25 years
• Licensed professional volleyball players competing in national or regional leagues
• Currently playing an official main or secondary position
• Minimum of 5 years of professional volleyball experience
• Actively competing in volleyball for at least 1 year
• Training more than 10 hours per week
• No injury in the past 6 months that prevented participation in training or matches
• Ability and willingness to participate voluntarily
• Provided written informed consent

Inclusion Criteria: Control Group

• Female participants aged 18-25 years
• No history of participation in professional or recreational overhead sports
• No lower extremity injury within the past 6 months
• Less than 1 hour per week of structured exercise within the past 6 months
• No previous licensed sports participation
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria (Applied to Both Groups)

• Neurological, orthopedic, or systemic diseases
• History of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months
• Any pain, pathology, or instability affecting the upper or lower extremities
• Regular medication use
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Diagnosed cognitive or attention disorders