Effects of Cognitive Training on Executive Functions and Decision-Making in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players

Effects of a Short-Term Cognitive Training Programme on Executive Functions and On-Court Decision-Making Performance in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a four-week tablet-based cognitive training program on executive functions and on-court decision-making performance in adolescent female volleyball players. Fifty licensed female volleyball players aged 12 to 14 years were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received cognitive training three times per week in addition to routine volleyball training, while the control group continued routine training only. Executive functions were assessed using the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test-A, Go/No-Go Test, and 2-Back Test. Volleyball-specific decision-making performance was evaluated using a video-based temporal occlusion test. The study investigates whether improvements in executive functions following cognitive training transfer to sport-specific decision-making performance.

Executive functions, including inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional control, play an important role in sports requiring rapid perception and decision-making, such as volleyball. Although previous studies have shown that cognitive training can improve executive functions, evidence regarding the transfer of these improvements to sport-specific performance remains inconsistent.

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the effects of a short-term tablet-based cognitive training program on executive functions and volleyball-specific on-court decision-making performance in adolescent female volleyball players.

Fifty licensed female volleyball players aged 12 to 14 years participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed a four-week cognitive training program consisting of three supervised sessions per week (20-30 minutes per session) in addition to routine volleyball training. The control group continued routine volleyball training without additional cognitive training.

Primary assessments included executive function measures obtained using the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A), Go/No-Go Test, and 2-Back Test. Volleyball-specific decision-making performance was evaluated using a video-based temporal occlusion paradigm, with decision-making accuracy and response time recorded before and after the intervention.

The study aims to determine whether short-term cognitive training improves executive function performance (near transfer) and whether these cognitive improvements translate into enhanced sport-specific decision-making performance (far transfer) in adolescent female volleyball players.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female volleyball players aged 12 to 14 years.
• Licensed volleyball players with at least 1 year of playing experience.
• Regular participation in volleyball training during the previous 6 months.
• Written informed consent obtained from both participants and their parents/legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
• Visual or hearing impairment that could affect cognitive testing.
• Serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months.
• Previous participation in a structured cognitive training program.
• Injury during the study period or incomplete participation in the assessment procedures.