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

NCT07692698 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: FU_MGBeydagi_Vole_B_2026/06-29
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Executive Functions (EF); Decision Making; Volleyball

Keywords

Cognitive Training; Executive Function; Adolescent Athletes; Volleyball; Near Transfer; Far Transfer

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Change in Stroop Interference Time

  Change from baseline to Week 4 in Stroop interference time, calculated as the difference between the mean reaction time under incongruent and neutral conditions, measured in milliseconds (ms) using the computerized Stroop Color and Word Test.

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in Trail Making Test-A Completion Time

  Change from baseline to Week 4 in the time required to complete the Trail Making Test-A, measured in seconds (s).

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in Go/No-Go Reaction Time

  Change from baseline to Week 4 in mean reaction time during the computerized Go/No-Go Test, measured in milliseconds (ms) during correct Go responses.

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in 2-Back Accuracy

  Change from baseline to Week 4 in working memory accuracy during the computerized 2-Back Test, measured as percentage of correct responses (%).

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in 2-Back Reaction Time

  Change from baseline to Week 4 in mean reaction time during correct responses in the computerized 2-Back Test, measured in milliseconds (ms).

  Baseline and Week 4

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in On-Court Decision-Making Accuracy

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in On-Court Decision-Making Response Time

  Baseline and Week 4

Study Arms (2)

Cognitive Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a four-week tablet-based cognitive training program (20-30 minutes/session, three sessions/week) in addition to their routine volleyball training.

Behavioral: Tablet-Based Cognitive Training; Other: Routine Volleyball Training

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants continued their routine volleyball training without additional cognitive training.

Other: Routine Volleyball Training

Interventions

Tablet-Based Cognitive Training BEHAVIORAL

A structured four-week tablet-based cognitive training program was administered three times per week for approximately 20-30 minutes per session. The program included computerized exercises targeting inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, attention, and processing speed using validated cognitive training applications.

Cognitive Training Group

Routine Volleyball Training OTHER

Participants continued their routine volleyball training according to their regular training schedule.

Cognitive Training Group; Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 14 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Firat University

Elâzığ, Merkez, 23200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This was an open-label study. Neither participants nor investigators were blinded to group allocation because of the nature of the behavioral intervention.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor, PhD

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The intervention group received a four-week tablet-based cognitive training program in addition to routine volleyball training, whereas the control group continued routine volleyball training without cognitive training.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 29, 2026
• First Posted: July 9, 2026
• Study Start: May 2, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2026
• Study Completion: June 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share

Locations

TU (1)