This comparative cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between motor imagery (MI) ability, hand mental rotation (HMR), and performance outcomes in female volleyball players. Volleyball is a high-speed, cognitively demanding sport requiring precise motor coordination, rapid decision-making, and explosive movements. MI-the mental simulation of movement-and HMR-the cognitive manipulation of hand orientation-are critical for motor planning and execution. The study has two primary objectives: (1) to compare MI ability and HMR performance between female volleyball players and sedentary controls, and (2) to evaluate associations between MI/HMR scores and reaction time as well as vertical jump performance among volleyball players. The investigators hypothesize that volleyball players will exhibit superior MI and HMR abilities compared to controls, and that higher MI and HMR scores will correlate with faster reaction times and greater vertical jump height. Findings from this study will elucidate the cognitive-motor mechanisms underlying athletic performance and may inform training strategies to enhance neuromotor efficiency in sport-specific contexts.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
52
Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey (Türkiye)
Ayşe Yazgan
Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Mental Chronometry Test
Mental chronometry ratio calculated as \|Actual Time - Imagined Time\| / Actual Time, measured during five actual vertical jumps and five imagined vertical jumps. Lower values indicate better motor imagery performance. Time measured in seconds using a stopwatch; ratio is unitless.
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment during the initial study visit)
Hand Mental Rotation Task
Mean response time (milliseconds) for left/right hand discrimination tasks in the Orientate® application. Lower values indicate faster cognitive processing related to mental rotation.
Time frame: Baseline
Reaction Time (ms)
Mean reaction time across three trials measured using the BlazePod® wireless LED sensor system. Participants respond to visual stimuli with their dominant hand. Lower values indicate better reaction performance.
Time frame: Baseline
Vertical Jump Height (cm)
Mean jump height calculated from three countermovement jumps recorded and analyzed using the My Jump 2 smartphone application. Higher values indicate better lower-limb explosive performance.
Time frame: Baseline
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