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

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.

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.