Perceptual–Cognitive Function and Unplanned Athletic Movement Task Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The performance of choice-reaction tasks during athletic movement has been demonstrated to evoke unfavorable biomechanics in the lower limb. However, the mechanism of this observation is unknown. We conducted a systematic review examining the association between (1) the biomechanical and functional safety of unplanned sports-related movements (e.g., jumps/runs with a spontaneously indicated landing leg/cutting direction) and (2) markers of perceptual–cognitive function (PCF). A literature search in three databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar) identified five relevant articles. The study quality, rated by means of a modified Downs and Black checklist, was moderate to high (average: 13/16 points). Four of five papers, in at least one parameter, found either an association of PCF with task safety or significantly reduced task safety in low vs. high PCF performers. However, as (a) the outcomes, populations and statistical methods of the included trials were highly heterogeneous and (b) only two out of five studies had an adequate control condition (pre-planned movement task), the evidence was classified as conflicting. In summary, PCF may represent a factor affecting injury risk and performance during unplanned sports-related movements, but future research strengthening the evidence for this association is warranted.

Associations Between Cognitive Function and ACL Injury-Related Biomechanics: A Systematic Review

“… a Data analyzed by Wilke et al 65 BH, ball handling; CCR, co-contraction ratio; CRI, concussion resolution index; HAM, hamstring; HP, high performance; IC, initial contact; ImPACT, immediate postconcussion assessment and cognitive testing; LP, low performance; pGRF, peak ground-reaction force; pKAbA, knee abduction angle; pKAbM, knee abduction moment; pKFA, knee flexion angle; SDMT, symbol digit modalities test; sEMG, surface electromyography; STOP-IT, stop signal task; TMT-A/B, trail-making-test A/B; TTS bw, time to stabilization, using the participant’s body weight; TTS fn, time to stabilization, using the normal force; QUAD, quadriceps. …”

“…Giesche et al 27 explored the relationship of neurocognitive performance with biomechanical stability and unplanned landing cost. The results obtained by Niederer et al 50 were reanalyzed by Wilke et al 65 to investigate the relationship between landing success/errors and cognitive performance. Finally, Fischer et al 24 studied the interactions of baseline cognitive function and effects of different cognitively challenging conditions on landing mechanics.…”

“…7 Monfort et al 46 revealed that worse visual-spatial memory was associated with larger increases in peak knee valgus angle, potentially producing higher ligament strains, 7 when dribbling a ball. The results from Giesche et al 27 and Wilke et al, 65 obtained reanalyzing data from Niederer et al, 50 suggested that some factors that may expose athletes to higher injury risk, 27 such as the increased vertical ground-reaction force and the increased number of landing errors, were associated with reduced cognitive flexibility, working and short-term memory, and with visual perception and search. Finally, Fischer et al, 24 in contrast with other included studies, did not detect any relationship between cognitive function and harmful lower limb mechanics.…”

A Novel Approach to Assessment of Perceptual-Motor Efficiency and Training-Induced Improvement in the Performance Capabilities of Elite Athletes

“…Separate brain networks have been identified that process information specific to visual attention, cognition, and motor functions in a somewhat independent manner, but the respective processes are integrated within specific areas of the thalamus and basal ganglia (Greene et al, 2020). Although sensory perception, cognitive decision-making, and motor execution are often viewed as distinct processes, references to perceptual-cognitive function (Wang et al, 2017;Hadlow et al, 2018;Wilke et al, 2020;Cardoso Fd et al, 2021) and cognitive-motor function (Brown et al, 2015;Hurtubise et al, 2016;Leone et al, 2017) reflect the high degree of interrelated neural processing that is necessary for successful performance of goal-directed actions. Perception involves awareness of sensory inputs and their inferred causes (Adams et al, 2013), and motor activation occurs before a decision-making process has been completed (Selen et al, 2012;Gallivan, 2014).…”

Assessment and Training of Perceptual-Motor Function: Performance of College Wrestlers Associated with History of Concussion

“…Training activities designed to optimize the functional capabilities of athletes have traditionally focused on the improvement of physical attributes, such as muscle strength, power, endurance, and flexibility [8,9]. Few studies have assessed the potential benefit of "cognitive training" for performance enhancement or injury prevention [10][11][12]. Despite compelling evidence of the importance of brain processing efficiency for the generation of rapid, accurate, and consistent motor responses [8,[12][13][14][15], the best means to assess and train cognitive aspects of sport performance remains unclear [16].…”