The Cognitive Benefits of Playing Volleyball: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the effects of playing volleyball, an open-skill sport, on cognition. Four hundred seventeen studies were accessed with specified search criteria, and 21 studies containing neurophysiological outcomes were found eligible for evaluation. Most studies reported cognitive improvement in volleyball players compared to control groups. Fewer studies demonstrated superior effects of playing volleyball over other sports types. Results indicate that playing volleyball has an improving effect on cognition, mainly executive functions.