Effects of Mental Training and Cognitive-Motor-Based Life Kinetik Training on Attention and Concentration Performance in Volleyball Players: A Behavioral and Neurofeedback-Task Assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mental training and cognitive-motor-based life kinetik interventions on attention and concentration performance in volleyball players, using the d2 Attention Test as the primary behavioral outcome and an attention-contingent neurofeedback task (NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2, Brainwave Visualizer barrel-bursting task) as a supplementary, exploratory index. A quasi-experimental, non-randomized pretest-posttest design was employed, using purposive sampling. A total of 66 volleyball players aged 14-16 years were assigned to a mental training group (n=22), a life kinetik group (n=22), and a control group (n=22) that continued routine volleyball training only. Measurements were taken at pretest, posttest (Week 8), Week 12, and Week 16, and analyzed with a 3×4 mixed-design ANOVA. Both intervention groups showed significant, sustained improvements in attention and concentration relative to Control (all Group×Time interactions p<.001). The two intervention groups did not differ significantly from one another on either d2 outcome at any post-intervention time point; the only significant direct contrast between them (neurofeedback-task Barrel Count) favored mental training. Gains were largely maintained through the 16-week follow-up, with a partial decline evident between posttest and follow-up. These findings indicate that both mental training and life kinetik training improve attention and concentration performance in volleyball players relative to standard training alone, without evidence that either intervention is superior to the other.