The cognitive benefits of basketball training compared to a combined endurance and resistance training regimen: a four-month intervention study

This study compared the cognitive effects of basketball training, a combined endurance and resistance training regimen, and a sedentary control group over four months. Basketball training improved participants' inhibition control (ability to suppress distractions) and working memory, while the endurance and resistance training group saw gains in inhibition and cognitive flexibility (task-switching skills). The control group showed no improvement and some decline. These results suggest that sports involving cognitive engagement, like basketball, enhance brain functions associated with decision-making and attention. The findings highlight the role of dynamic, cognitively demanding activities in promoting cognitive health.

Engage in sports or physical activities with both physical and cognitive demands, such as basketball, to boost brain health. These activities improve decision-making, attention, and memory by combining exercise with mental challenges. Ensure consistency for at least two sessions weekly. However, the findings apply to young adults, and more studies are needed for other age groups.