The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on the Cognitive Performance of Male Basketball Players: An Investigation of Expertise-Related Differences
Question
Do elite and amateur male basketball players differ in cognitive performance at rest and after an acute sprint interval training session?
Summary
In 28 male basketball players, one acute cycling sprint interval session did not produce a uniform cognitive benefit. Elite players showed better post-exercise change-detection performance than amateurs and faster post-exercise response times on some tasks, but one sustained-attention accuracy measure worsened in elites.
Methodology
- Male amateur and elite basketball players aged 18-25 years
- 28 participants.
- Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 30 seconds all-out.
- Recovery: 4 minutes active recovery.
- Intensity: 80 g/kg body weight resistance; all-out Wingate efforts.
- About 20 minutes of interval exercise after warm-up/preparation.
- Single session.
- Single session.
- Acute pre-post comparison by expertise group
- Change detection, Timewall accuracy, Sustained attention, and Exercise response were tracked.
Outcomes
Change detection
Elite players had more correct answers than amateurs after exercise, and their response times shortened from pre to post.
Post correct answers: elite 15.51 +/- 2.51 vs amateur 13.39 +/- 2.50, p=0.042; elite response time pre-post p=0.009.
Timewall accuracy
Elite players outperformed amateurs after the sprint session.
Post: elite 15.50 +/- 2.22 vs amateur 12.83 +/- 3.98, p=0.032.
Sustained attention
Elite players had faster reaction time after exercise but fewer correct responses.
Reaction time p=0.037; correct-answer percentage p=0.012.
Exercise load
Elites produced higher peak power with lower heart rate, while perceived exertion was similar.
Peak power group effect p=0.007; heart rate p=0.046; RPE p>0.05.
Insights
- Acute all-out sprint intervals should not be marketed as reliably improving cognition across all tasks.
- Athlete experience and sport expertise may modify fatigue-related cognitive performance.
- All-out Wingate-style sessions need screening and supervision.
Limitations
- Small sample, especially the elite group.
- Male basketball-only population.
- No non-exercise control condition.
- Acute design only.
- Cognitive test selection may not represent all sport decision-making.
Safety
- No adverse events were reported.
- Participants were screened for relevant medical disorders and monitored with heart rate and RPE.