Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Yasuj University, Yasuj, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different cognitive conditions in dyad trainings on the improvement and stability of executive functions (working memory, response inhibition) of table tennis players.
Methods: In a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test and retention design, 24 boys (mean age 15.03±0.076) were selected through convenience sampling from boys' schools in yasouj city and randomly assigned to two groups: high cognitive load and low cognitive load. Both groups performed dyad trainings for 6 sessions with their respective cognitive engagement levels. Each session consisted of 20 repetitions (3 minutes) with a 1-minute rest period between repetitions. The participants' working memory and response inhibition were measured by the n-back and go/no go tests in the pre-test, post-test, and retention stages, respectively. Data were analyzed using a mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.
Results: The results showed that both high and low cognitive load groups had a significant effect from pre-test to retention on working memory (P<0.05), and the high cognitive load group performed better than the low cognitive load group. Neither group showed a significant effect on response inhibition (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: In general, the results of the present study indicate that dyad trainings with high cognitive load provide the possibility of improving the working memory of table tennis players.
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