This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of an eight-week motor imagery training program on shooting performance in adolescent basketball players under single-task and cognitive-motor dual-task conditions. Thirty male basketball players aged 15-17 years were randomly assigned to either a motor imagery group or a control group. Both groups continued their routine basketball training, while the motor imagery group additionally completed a structured PETTLEP-based motor imagery program three times per week for eight weeks. Two-point and three-point shooting performance was assessed before and after the intervention under both single-task and cognitive-motor dual-task conditions. The study aimed to determine whether adding motor imagery training to routine basketball training improves shooting performance and the ability to maintain shooting performance while simultaneously performing a cognitive task.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants completed a structured PETTLEP-based motor imagery training program three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to their routine basketball training. Each session lasted approximately 20-30 minutes and was performed before routine basketball training. The program was structured according to the PETTLEP model (Physical, Environment, Task, Timing, Learning, Emotion, and Perspective) and adapted to basketball shooting. Participants predominantly used an internal visual perspective and were instructed to imagine kinesthetic sensations associated with shooting, including ball release, wrist movement, jumping, balance, and the ball entering the basket.
Bursa Uludag University
Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)
Two-Point Shooting Performance
Two-point shooting performance was assessed using the basketball-specific shooting test described by Pojskic et al. (2011). Participants moved between six designated two-point shooting positions and attempted shots after receiving a pass. The test lasted 60 seconds, and the total number of successful two-point shots was recorded as the performance score. The test was performed three times with full recovery between trials, and the best score was used for analysis. Higher scores indicate better shooting performance.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention
Three-Point Shooting Performance
Three-point shooting performance was assessed using the basketball-specific shooting test described by Pojskic et al. (2011). Participants moved between six designated three-point shooting positions and attempted shots after receiving a pass. The test lasted 60 seconds, and the total number of successful three-point shots was recorded as the performance score. The test was performed three times with full recovery between trials, and the best score was used for analysis. Higher scores indicate better shooting performance.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention
Two-Point Shooting Performance Under Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Conditions
Two-point shooting performance under cognitive-motor dual-task conditions was assessed while participants performed the standard two-point shooting test concurrently with a verbal cognitive task. The test lasted 60 seconds, and the total number of successful two-point shots was recorded as the performance score. Cognitive-task accuracy and number of responses were not assessed; therefore, dual-task performance was evaluated based solely on shooting performance under concurrent cognitive load. Higher scores indicate better shooting performance under dual-task conditions.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention
Three-Point Shooting Performance Under Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Conditions
Three-point shooting performance under cognitive-motor dual-task conditions was assessed while participants performed the standard three-point shooting test concurrently with a verbal cognitive task. The test lasted 60 seconds, and the total number of successful three-point shots was recorded as the performance score. Cognitive-task accuracy and number of responses were not assessed; therefore, dual-task performance was evaluated based solely on shooting performance under concurrent cognitive load. Higher scores indicate better shooting performance under dual-task conditions.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention
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