Inter-individual differences in cognitive function modulate preparatory kinematics during cognitively challenging
Clara Ebner1, Matthias Götz1, Andrea Kiesel2
1Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Cognitive function influences how female football players adjust their movements during demanding changes-of-direction tasks. Better cognitive skills can reduce injury risk by improving preparatory movements.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Athletes performing changes-of-direction (CODs) in cognitively demanding situations face increased injury risk due to movement constraints.
- Individual cognitive differences can impact motor-cognitive interactions during these tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individual cognitive function affects preparatory movements during cognitively demanding COD tasks.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine female football players performed COD tasks under varying cognitive loads.
- Lower extremity and trunk kinematics were analyzed using 3D motion analysis.
- Cognitive function was assessed via a computerized test battery.
Main Results:
- Increased cognitive demand led to greater lateral trunk flexion and pelvis tilt, with reduced trunk rotation and step width.
- Better verbal memory scores mitigated increases in lateral trunk flexion and pelvis tilt.
- Longer reaction times correlated with increased lateral trunk flexion and hip internal rotation.
Conclusions:
- Individual cognitive function, especially reaction time, significantly alters preparatory kinematics in female football players during demanding COD tasks.
- Cognitive abilities influence athletes' movement strategies under cognitive challenge.
- Integrating cognitive assessments with movement analysis is crucial for injury risk evaluation and prevention.
