Cognitive training in athletes: A systematic review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.3.2025.22193

Keywords:

cognition, training, executive functions

Abstract

The attainment of sporting success is contingent upon a combination of physical, technical and tactical competencies, in addition to cognitive processes such as attention and executive functions. A plethora of studies have indicated a correlation between cognitive performance and athletic performance. Given that cognitive functions can be cultivated through training, the notion of cognitive stimulation as a strategy to enhance athletes' performance has been postulated. The present study sought to undertake a systematic review with a narrative synthesis of the extant literature on cognitive interventions designed to enhance executive functions and athletic performance. A search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Following the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 relevant articles were selected for further analysis. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of interventions that integrate cognitive stimulation into the athletic domain, indicating potential benefits in performance. However, further research is required in this area to develop validated and standardized programs that can influence performance through cognitive function training.

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Author Biographies

Alan Gómez Rosales, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Master's degree in Sports Psychology and PhD candidate in Physical Activity and Sports Psychology, he has published articles in international journals within the JCR, is a national and international speaker on topics focused on psychology and neuropsychology applied to sports, and currently works at Club Deportivo Guadalajara in Mexico.

Xóchitl Ortiz , Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

PhD in Psychology from the Complutense University of Madrid. She is a full-time professor and researcher and deputy director of postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Psychology of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. Her area of expertise is Clinical Neuropsychology, especially the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with brain damage. She founded the Animal-Assisted Therapy Service at USP in 2012. She has won several research awards, including the UANL Award in 2015 in the area of Humanities and Behavioral Science, as well as awards for young researchers with her undergraduate students. She belongs to the National System of Researchers at Level I, is a member of various national and international societies such as the International Neuropsychological Society, and serves on the scientific committees of international journals such as Frontiers in Psychology.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Gómez Rosales, A. de J., & Ortiz Jiménez, X. A. (2025). Cognitive training in athletes: A systematic review. Revista Iberoamericana De Ciencias De La Actividad Física Y El Deporte, 14(3), 273–289. https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.3.2025.22193

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