Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

• Zahra Fathirezaie ¹
• Alireza Farsi ²
• Mohammad Kazem Vaez-Mousavi
• Seyed Hojjat Zamani-Sani ¹

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive training by working memory tasks on executive control network efficiency and accuracy of response.Materials and Methods: The design of the study was semi-experimental with pretest and posttest. A total of 20 girl students participated in study. Cognitive group (n = 10) received visuospatial working memory training and control group (n = 10) have did usual training of table tennis without cognitive factor in two task. Participants performed attention networks test and accuracy response in pre and post of 8 sessions of training. Data were analyzed by means of statistical methods of repeated measures ANOVA and SPSS software in the significant level of 0.05.Results: Results of repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between two group in each factor (executive control network efficiency and accuracy of response). Cognitive training group showed improvement in executive control network efficiency while control group didn’t showed. Response of accuracy was improved in both group but cognitive training group showed more improvement rather than control.Conclusion: Based on study results, it seems that cognitive training has positive effect on neural network efficiency and response accuracy and this issue indicates increased effect of intra network communication and the flexibility of the brain toward repeating and practicing. And, this issue shows the effect of increasing the intra-network communications and the flexibility of the brain toward repeating and practicing. Therefore, it might be said that cognitive training has more positive effects on performance and cognitive abilities due to the involvement of more cognitive capabilities such as memory, attention, perception and also more involvement of brain networks and facilitate of synaptic connection.

Keywords

• Attentional networks
• Executive control
• Cognitive training
• Working memory
• Visuospatial
• Accuracy of response