# The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on the Cognitive Performance of Male Basketball Players: An Investigation of Expertise-Related Differences

PMID: 36981625
Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health
Published: 2023 Mar 7
Authors: Mancı E, Herold F, Günay E, Güdücü Ç, Müller NG, Bediz CŞ

## 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.

## Population

- Male amateur and elite basketball players aged 18-25 years
- Sample size: 28
- Age: Amateur 20.38 +/- 2.27 years; elite 20.80 +/- 2.44 years
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Trained basketball players; elite group had professional experience
- Health status: No reported relevant disease or medication use

## Methodology

- Acute pre-post comparison by expertise group
- Single laboratory session
- Laboratory cycle ergometer and computerized cognitive testing

## Protocol

- Acute cycling SIT.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 30 seconds all-out.
- Recovery: 4 minutes active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4.
- Intensity: 80 g/kg body weight resistance; all-out Wingate efforts.
- Session duration: About 20 minutes of interval exercise after warm-up/preparation.
- Frequency: Single session.
- Program length: Single session.
- Progression: None.
- Expertise comparison.
- Modality: Same cycling SIT protocol.
- Work intervals: 30 seconds all-out.
- Recovery: 4 minutes active recovery.
- Sets or repetitions: 4.
- Intensity: Same prescribed Wingate protocol.
- Session duration: Same session.
- Frequency: Single session.
- Program length: Single session.
- Progression: None.

## Outcomes

### Change detection
Status: improved
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
Status: improved
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
Status: mixed
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
Status: mixed
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.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- No adverse events were reported.
- Participants were screened for relevant medical disorders and monitored with heart rate and RPE.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36981625/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064719) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10048824/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.