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NCT Number: NCT07692698

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Executive Functions (EF) Decision Making Volleyball

Age range

12 year–14 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Firat University

Elâzığ, Merkez, 23200, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

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.

Routine Volleyball Training

Other

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Stroop Interference Time

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    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.

  2. Change in Trail Making Test-A Completion Time

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

  3. Change in Go/No-Go Reaction Time

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    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.

  4. Change in 2-Back Accuracy

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

  5. Change in 2-Back Reaction Time

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in On-Court Decision-Making Accuracy

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    Change from baseline to Week 4 in volleyball-specific decision-making accuracy assessed using a video-based temporal occlusion test, measured as the number of correct decisions (0-25).

  2. Change in On-Court Decision-Making Response Time

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    Change from baseline to Week 4 in volleyball-specific decision-making response time assessed using a video-based temporal occlusion test, measured in milliseconds (ms).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Firat University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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