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The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance,...
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The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2023) | Viewed by 15266

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Francesco Di Russo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
Interests: neural basis of cognition; anticipation; perception; attention; decision-making; action; ERP; fMRI
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The benefits of sport and physical activity on cognitive functions are well known, but recently, several studies have shown an inverse effect. Indeed, the introduction of cognitive exercises within sport and physical training seems a promising method to improve training efficacy, and consequently, sport or physical performance. This interaction further demonstrates mind–body unity and the main aim of the brain, which is action.

In this Special Issue, studies that integrate cognitive and motor training to demonstrate their superiority to physical and cognitive training alone are welcome. We also invite the submission of studies regarding the effects of sport and physical activity on cognitive functions and studies regarding the effect of gender and age on cognitive or physical performance. Studies that employ both behavioral and neurophysiological methods are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Di Russo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cognitive training
  • cognitive-motor training
  • motor-cognitive training
  • mental training
  • physical performance

Published Papers (7 papers)

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13 pages, 2185 KiB  
Article
Assessment and Training of Perceptual-Motor Function: Performance of College Wrestlers Associated with History of Concussion
by Gary B. Wilkerson, Lexi R. Fleming, Victoria P. Adams, Richard J. Petty, Lynette M. Carlson, Jennifer A. Hogg and Shellie N. Acocello
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010068 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Concussion may affect sport performance capabilities related to the visual perception of environmental events, rapid decision-making, and the generation of effective movement responses. Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a means to quantify, and potentially enhance, the speed, accuracy, and consistency of responses generated [...] Read more.
Concussion may affect sport performance capabilities related to the visual perception of environmental events, rapid decision-making, and the generation of effective movement responses. Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a means to quantify, and potentially enhance, the speed, accuracy, and consistency of responses generated by integrated neural processes. A cohort of 24 NCAA Division I male wrestlers completed VR assessments before and after a 3-week VR training program designed to improve their perceptual-motor performance. Prior to training, the intra-individual variability (IIV) among 40 successive task trials for perceptual latency (i.e., time elapsed between visual stimulus presentation and the initiation of movement response) demonstrated strong discrimination between 10 wrestlers who self-reported a history of concussion from 14 wrestlers who denied ever having sustained a concussion (Area Under Curve ≥ 0.750 for neck, arm, and step movements). Natural log transformation improved the distribution normality of the IIV values for both perceptual latency and response time (i.e., time elapsed between visual stimulus presentation and the completion of movement response). The repeated measures ANOVA results demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) pre- and post-training differences between groups for the IIV in perceptual latency and the IIV in response time for neck, arm, and step movements. Five of the six IIV metrics demonstrated a statistically significant magnitude of change for both groups, with large effect sizes. We conclude that a VR assessment can detect impairments in perceptual-motor performance among college wrestlers with a history of concussion. Although significant post-training group differences were evident, VR training can yield significant performance improvements in both groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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16 pages, 1921 KiB  
Article
Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functioning: The Role of Cognitive Reserve and Active Aging
by Giulia D’Aurizio, Fabiana Festucci, Ilaria Di Pompeo, Daniela Tempesta and Giuseppe Curcio
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(11), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13111581 - 11 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1297
Abstract
Background: The increase in average life expectancy necessitates the identification of possible mechanisms capable of promoting “active aging” to ensure adequate levels of global functioning. Numerous studies show that regular physical activity promotes, even in the elderly, a state of functional psychophysical well-being [...] Read more.
Background: The increase in average life expectancy necessitates the identification of possible mechanisms capable of promoting “active aging” to ensure adequate levels of global functioning. Numerous studies show that regular physical activity promotes, even in the elderly, a state of functional psychophysical well-being capable of slowing down age-related cognitive decline. This study aimed to clarify whether, and how, the intensity of physical activity can modulate cognitive and executive skills by influencing specific psychological variables. Methods: Our sample consisted of 151 senior subjects divided into hikers (HIK), gentle gymnastics (GYM), and sedentary (SED), who practice intense, moderate, and reduced physical activity, respectively. A battery of psychological questionnaires was administrated to evaluate attentional skills, decision-making, the ability to implement targeted behaviors, perceived self-efficacy, and psychophysical well-being. We included: the Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Letter Cancellation Test, Everyday Competence Questionnaire, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Comparisons between the scores reported by the three groups showed that the HIK group differs from the others with respect to most of the measurements, presenting better mood and cognitive performance, and a specific psychological profile. On the contrary, the GYM group appeared to have a greater affinity with the SED group than with the HIK group, both cognitively and psychologically. Conclusions: Types of physical activity, as well as the intensity and frequency with which they are practiced, are factors that promote an active aging process, protecting the psychophysical well-being and overall cognitive functioning of the elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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15 pages, 933 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Intradialytic Cognitive and Physical Training Program on the Physical and Cognitive Abilities in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial
by Aljaž Kren and Špela Bogataj
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(8), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13081228 - 21 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have lower cognitive functioning and reduced physical fitness than age-matched healthy individuals. Clinicians typically do not recognize the declining cognitive performance in these patients; therefore, cognitive impairment is greatly underestimated and not appropriately treated. This study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have lower cognitive functioning and reduced physical fitness than age-matched healthy individuals. Clinicians typically do not recognize the declining cognitive performance in these patients; therefore, cognitive impairment is greatly underestimated and not appropriately treated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on cognitive function of combining cognitive training with physical exercise and physical performance in HD patients. Methods: Using a randomized, single-blinded control design, forty-four HD patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intradialytic physical exercise and cognitive training program (EXP group; n = 22; 54% male; 65.7 ± 9.7 years; 77.1 ± 21.9 kg; body mass index 26.8 ± 6.0) or a standard care control group (CON group; n = 21; 77% male; 67.2 ± 12.5 years; 74.2 ± 14.3 kg; body mass index 25.9 ± 3.8). The EXP group performed intradialytic cycling and cognitive training three days per week for 12 weeks. Study outcomes were assessed by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 10-repetition sit-to-stand test (10-STS), handgrip strength test (HGS), and stork balance test. Results: The results showed a significant time*group interaction effect for SDMT (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.267) and MoCA (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.266). Moreover, no significant interaction was observed for 10-STS, HGS, and stork balance test (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that incorporating intradialytic cognitive and physical exercise training could help to improve the functional status of HD patients. The innovative, nonpharmacological, bimodal intervention is cost-effective, safe, and easy to implement during the intradialytic period and offers a potential impact on patients’ quality of life and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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15 pages, 3054 KiB  
Article
Sex Differences in Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Effects and in Brain Processing of Semi-Elite Basketball Players
by Stefania Lucia, Merve Aydin and Francesco Di Russo
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030443 - 04 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2004
Abstract
In the current study, we aimed at evaluating the possible sex differences in cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDT) effects on the sport and cognitive performance of semi-elite basketball athletes. Moreover, we investigated the CMDT effects on proactive brain processing using event-related potential (ERP) analysis. [...] Read more.
In the current study, we aimed at evaluating the possible sex differences in cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDT) effects on the sport and cognitive performance of semi-elite basketball athletes. Moreover, we investigated the CMDT effects on proactive brain processing using event-related potential (ERP) analysis. Fifty-two young basketball athletes (age 16.3 years) were randomly assigned into an experimental (Exp) group performing the CMDT, and a control (Con) group executing standard motor training. Before and after a 5-week training intervention, participants’ motor performance was evaluated using dribbling tests. Cognitive performance was assessed by measuring response time and accuracy in a discrimination response task (DRT). Brain activity related to motor and cognitive preparation was measured through the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and the prefrontal negativity (pN) ERP components. The CMDT involved the simultaneous execution of dribbling exercises and cognitive tasks which were realized using interactive technologies on the court. Results showed that both groups had some enhancements from pre- to post-tests, but only the Exp group enhanced in the dribbling exercise. In the DRT after the CMDT, females performed faster than males in the Exp group. All groups, except for the Con group of males, performed the DRT more accurately after the training. According to the ERP results, in the Exp group of males and in Exp and Con group of females, we found an increase in pN amplitude (associated with better accuracy); in the Exp group of females and in Exp and Con group of males, we found an increase in BP (associated with better response time). In conclusion, the present study endorsed the efficacy of the proposed CMDT protocol on both the sport and cognitive performance of semi-elite basketball players and showed that the neural basis of these benefits may be interpreted as sex-related compensatory effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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12 pages, 2285 KiB  
Article
The Influence of a Specific Cognitive-Motor Training Protocol on Planning Abilities and Visual Search in Young Soccer Players
by Andrea Casella, Emanuele Ventura and Francesco Di Russo
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(12), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121624 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
The benefits of sport activity on cognition and especially on executive function development are well-known, and in recent years, several kinds of cognitive-motor training (CMT) have been proven effective in adults and older people. Less is known about possible CMT benefits in children. [...] Read more.
The benefits of sport activity on cognition and especially on executive function development are well-known, and in recent years, several kinds of cognitive-motor training (CMT) have been proven effective in adults and older people. Less is known about possible CMT benefits in children. This study aims to confirm the positive influence played by CMTs on specific executive functions (planning abilities and visual search) in young soccer players. Twenty-four 10-year-old athletes were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental (Exp) and control (Con) groups of 12 players. Both groups were trained for 10 weeks, twice a week (90 min per training), following standard soccer training (technical-tactical exercises). The Exp group, during the first training session of the week, in the last 22 min, performed the experimental treatment, which consisted of a psychokinetic CMT. Both groups were examined before and after the ten-week training using the Tower of London and WISC-IV cancellation tests. Results revealed that the Exp group, following treatment, reported significantly better scores than the Con group in all the cognitive measures. We concluded that the proposed CMT is more effective than motor training alone at improving planning abilities and visual search abilities, even in children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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9 pages, 568 KiB  
Brief Report
Multimodal Physical Exercise Affects Visuo-Spatial Working Memory: Preliminary Evidence from a Descriptive Study on Tai-Chi Practitioners and Runners
by Emahnuel Troisi Lopez, Marianna Liparoti, Noemi Passarello, Fabio Lucidi and Laura Mandolesi
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(10), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101400 - 30 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 931
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown a relationship between physical exercise (PE) and cognitive functioning. However, it is unknown if unimodal and multimodal modalities of PE affect cognitive abilities in different ways. To fill this gap, we analyzed the effects of unimodal PE (running) and [...] Read more.
Recent evidence has shown a relationship between physical exercise (PE) and cognitive functioning. However, it is unknown if unimodal and multimodal modalities of PE affect cognitive abilities in different ways. To fill this gap, we analyzed the effects of unimodal PE (running) and multimodal PE (Tai Chi) on specific cognitive abilities. A sample of 33 participants (mean age = 52.6 ± 7.2) divided into eleven runners, eleven Tai Chi practitioners, and eleven age-matched sedentary individuals were subjected to a neuropsychological tests battery to assess shifting and problem solving abilities (Rule Shift Cards, BADS-RS, and Key Search tasks), verbal fluency (semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tasks), verbal memory (Rey’s 15 words test), visuo-spatial working memory (Corsi test), and global cognitive functioning (clock-drawing test). The results showed significantly higher BADS-RS scores in runners and Tai Chi practitioners in comparison to the sedentary participants, thus evidencing improved shifting abilities for active individuals. Interestingly, post hoc analysis showed significantly higher span scores of Corsi test only in Tai Chi practitioners as compared to sedentary participants, suggesting how multimodal PE facilitates the visuo-spatial working memory processes. Although preliminary, our descriptive study indicates that the type of PE could modulate specific cognitive domains, even if the practice of motor activity favors a global cognitive improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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18 pages, 1224 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Use of Neurofeedback in Sports Training: Systematic Review
by Łukasz Rydzik, Wojciech Wąsacz, Tadeusz Ambroży, Norollah Javdaneh, Karolina Brydak and Marta Kopańska
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040660 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5006
Abstract
Biofeedback training is a method commonly used in various fields of life, for example, in medicine, sports training or business. In recent studies, it has been shown that biofeedback, and neurofeedback, can affect the performance of professional athletes. Training based on the neurofeedback [...] Read more.
Biofeedback training is a method commonly used in various fields of life, for example, in medicine, sports training or business. In recent studies, it has been shown that biofeedback, and neurofeedback, can affect the performance of professional athletes. Training based on the neurofeedback method includes exercising the brain waves. The aim of the article is to evaluate the influence of neurofeedback training on the physical fitness of professional athletes representing various sports disciplines, such as judo, volleyball and soccer. Based on 10 scientific papers from various sources, including PubMed, the latest research on neurofeedback and its impact on athletes has been reviewed. On the basis of the literature review from 2012 to 2022 on the neurofeedback method in sports training, it can be stated that this type of practice has a significant impact on physical fitness and sports performance. This review comprised 10 research studies with 491 participants in the neurofeedback groups, and 62 participants in the control group. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated the quality of the studies utilising the PEDro scale. Properly planned and conducted neurofeedback training affects stimulation and improvement of many variables (reducing stress levels, increasing the ability to self-control physiological factors, enhancing behavioural efficiency and meliorating the speed of reaction to a stimulus). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Contribution of Cognitive Training on Sport and Physical Performance, and Vice Versa)
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