THE EFFECT OF LIFE KINETIC EXERCISES ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of 6-week Life Kinetic (LK) exercises on cognitive performance in young female volleyball players aged 15-17 years. A total of 24 female volleyball players, 12 in the (LK) exercise group and 12 in the control group, participated in the study. The experimental group performed (LT) exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Burdon's Attention Test was performed before and after the 6-week (LK) exercises. The data were analysed using dependent and independent t-tests with the assumption of normal distribution. In the pre-test results, the mean score of the experimental group was 105 and the mean score of the control group was 102 and the difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.094, Cohen's d = 0.714). In the post-test results, the mean score of the experimental group increased to 110, while the mean score of the control group was 105 and this difference was found to be significant (p = 0.004, Cohen's d = 1.32). The difference between the pre-test and post-test results of the experimental group was significant (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = -4.91), while a significant increase was observed in the control group with a lower effect size (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.59). Conclusion: The Burdon's Attention Test (BAT) performed at six-week intervals significantly improved the cognitive performance and attention levels of athletes in the (LK) exercise group. As a result of the findings, it can be said that life kinetic exercises are a feasible method to improve cognitive performance.