Effects of task-based attentional modulation on reaction time (RT) of basketball players

• Main Author: Tan, Jing Yi
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/162595
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study investigates the (i) effects of cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDTT; performance of a motor and cognitive task simultaneously) using visual-action modality(an interactive device that emits visual stimuli) on cognitive sports performance (reaction to visual stimuli, measured by reaction time; RT); and (ii) the ability to transfer the skills (RT and dual-tasking (DT) ability) to an actual game, for lesser-skilled basketball players. 16 healthy right-handed adults (age = 23.53 years ± 2.48; 8 females, 8 males) completed the 2-training session intervention study, and RT performance was measured on 4 occasions (Pre, Post, Retention and Transfer test). They were randomly divided into a dual-task group (DTG) and a single-task group (STG) to undergo CMDTT and cognitive ST training (CSTT), respectively. Both training protocols included a primary visual cognitive task in which the participant's response (RT) was recorded. Only the CMDTT protocol required participants to perform a secondary motor task simultaneously. Results showed that following respective training, DTG had greater RT reduction than STG, although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups. Further, results indicated that CMDTT led to players gaining better retention and transfer of skill (RT) into a representative environment of a basketball game. The findings support previous studies on improved sports performance through CMDTT using other modalities. The present study also indicates that the acute retained improved performance (RT and DT ability) allows transfer to a representative environment of an actual game; however, continuous practice of CMDT is required to retain improved cognitive performance.