Testing a multicomponent training designed to improve sprint, agility and decision-making in elite basketball players

This study tested if, in elite basketball players’ training, the integration of a cognitive component within a multi-component training (MCT) could be more effective than an MCT with motor components only to improve both physical and cognitive skills. To this purpose, we designed an MCT focussed on sprint and agility incorporating a cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDT) focussed on decision-making speed. Specific tests on sprint, agility and decision-making, and event-related potential (ERP) during the latter test were evaluated before and after the intervention. Thirty elite basketball players were recruited and divided into an experimental group executing CMDT integrated into the MCT and a control group performing the motor MCT (without cognitive components). The MCT with CMDT session was performed by four athletes simultaneously that executed different circuits. One circuit was the CMDT which was realized using interactive devices. Results on physical performance showed that only the experimental group improved in sprint and agility and also shortened response time in the decision-making test. At the neural level, the experimental group only shows an increase in the P3 ERP component, which has been associated with a series of post-perceptual cognitive functions, including decision-making. In conclusion, CMDT implemented within an MCT, likely stimulating more than physical training cortical plasticity, could be more effective than a motor MCT alone in improving the physical and cognitive skills of elite basketball players in five weeks only.