Neurocognitive markers and performance in sports and recreation: systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v77.118641Keywords:
Neurocognitive markers , physical activity, performance, recreation, sportAbstract
Introduction: the study of performance in sport and recreation increasingly incorporated the analysis of neurocognitive processes, allowing physical performance to be understood from an integrative perspective that links brain function, cognition, and motor action.
Objective: the objective of the study was to analyze and synthesize the scientific evidence published between 2020 and 2025 on neurocognitive markers associated with performance in sport and recreation, as well as to identify methodological trends and knowledge gaps in the field.
Methodology: a systematic review was conducted using a quantitative approach, a non-experimental design. Twenty scientific articles published in indexed databases were selected by applying explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. The information was organized through descriptive analysis, categorical analysis, and narrative synthesis.
Results: the results showed a predominance of studies based on electroencephalography and event-related potentials, followed by functional neuroimaging techniques. A consistent relationship was identified between neurocognitive markers such as neural efficiency, focused prefrontal activation, and the modulation of cortical oscillations with key dimensions of performance, including decision-making, executive control, and performance stability, in both sport and recreational contexts.
Discussion: the findings were consistent with previous research that identified neural efficiency as a distinctive feature of high performance and expanded the evidence to the domain of recreation and non-competitive physical activity.
Conclusions: the review confirms the relevance of neurocognitive markers as indicators of performance and highlights their value for guiding future research and evidence-based interventions grounded in neuroscience.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Karla Yaritza Belduma Cabrera, Angie Celine Morocho Idrovo, Esteban David Quezada Ochoa, Conny Nathaly Morocho Idrovo
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